We’re back out on the blue line
Volume 11, No. 52, September 21, 2006
By Cpl Mike McSweeney

AUSTRALIAN UN Military Observers from Op Paladin, deployed in Lebanon, have resumed patrolling along the Israel-Lebanon border, known as the Blue Line, following the recent cease-fire.

Commander Australian Contingent Op Paladin Lt-Col Jim Burns said although UNMOs continued their reporting during the recent violence, their movements were restricted.

“Since the cease-fire on August 14, UNTSO operations have quickly returned to observing and patrolling along the border,” he said.

“Observer Group Lebanon (OGL), which includes Australian officers, is actively conducting vehicle patrols in the area of the Blue Line”.

“They are conducting liaison visits with the local Lebanese people, town mayors and Muktars to establish the state of the population and their rebuilding.”

Lt-Col Burns said a buffer zone was progressively being established on the Lebanese side of the Israel-Lebanese border.

“It is to be initially controlled by the Israeli Defence Force, with the Lebanese Armed Forces operating north of that buffer zone until the new UN force, UNIFIL II, is established,” he said.

Lt-Col Burns said the UN was still discussing the involvement OGL would have with UNIFIL II.

“OGL has reoccupied the three operational UNTSO patrol bases near the Blue Line,” he said.

Lt-Col Burns said UNTSO would conduct an assessment of the fourth patrol base site, destroyed on July 25, to determine the viability of re-establishing a patrol base in the area.

He said Lebanese families have returned to their homes, despite a lack of power and water supply and the approaching winter.

“The Lebanese people had shown resilience and a stoic resolve to rebuild their homes, towns, villages and lives less than a month after the cease-fire,” he said.

“There is significant evidence of the first steps in establishing the new version of normal life.”

Twelve Australian Army Officers continue to support UNTSO operations from outstations in southern Lebanon, Syria, Israel, the Sinai and at UNTSO HQ in Jerusalem. Capt Stanfield, who was injured in July and repatriated to Australia, was recently replaced.

“All members of Op Paladin continue to provide a professional, effective and distinctly Australian commitment to each of the Observer Groups which comprise UNTSO,” Lt-Col Burns said.

“While the work of the UNMOs is complex, challenging and at times dangerous they remain committed to assisting the parties to achieve a lasting peace.”