Defense Minister Visits Indonesian Peacekeeping Battalion In Lebanon

Jakarta (Antara Bali)- Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu visited the Indonesian Battalion (Indobatt) deployed as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) in the UN Post 7-1, Adshid Al Qusayr, South Lebanon, Tuesday.

During the visit, the minister was accompanied by Indonesian Ambassador to Lebanon Achmad Chozin Chunmaidy, First Lieutenant Tri Bowo, spokesman of the Indonesian Garuda Contingent (Konga) XXIII-J/Unifil, noted in a statement, Wednesday.

The defense minister was also accompanied by some high-ranking officials of the ministry, including Director General for Defense Strategy of the Defense Ministry Major General Yoedhi Swastanto, Head of the Administration Bureau of the Defense Ministry Brigadier General Ida Bagus Purwalaksana, Brigadier General A.M. Putranto, and Commodore Listyanto.

Commander of the Indobatt Task Force Lieutenant Colonel Dwi Sasongko and other officers of Konga XXIII-J greeted Ryacudu.

The minister lauded the field officers and praised their contribution to the peacekeeping mission.

He reminded the officers to maintain unity during the Unifil mission in Lebanon.

"For the sake of the nation, we will uphold the name of Indonesia, both during the mission and during socio-cultural activities of Indonesia. Garuda is the champion," Dwi Sasongko informed the minister.

The minister and his entourage left the Indobatt post aboard a UN helicopter. (WDY)