I condemn the attack on the UN peacekeepers which happened today in Lebanon. It is all the more deplorable because today is the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

We are still receiving details, but it is already clear that a number of UN peacekeepers have been wounded.I extend my sincere sympathies to the peacekeepers and their families as well as the people and government of Italy.

The United Nations will work closely together with the Lebanese authorities to have a full and swift investigation on the attack to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Peacekeeping is dangerous and difficult. I pay tribute to the 120,000 United Nations military, police, civilians who are working under the blue flag around the world for the cause of peace.