United Nations, June 6:
India has strongly condemned the attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon that killed Serbian peacekeeper Sergeant Milovan Jovanovic and injured two others from Spain and El Salvador.
The attack occurred when a mortar struck a UN position near Marji’yun in southern Lebanon.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, expressed condolences to Serbia and the family of the fallen peacekeeper and wished a speedy recovery to the injured personnel.
India called for an immediate, thorough investigation into the incident and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice.
In a statement, India stressed the importance of respecting the sanctity and inviolability of UN personnel and facilities and urged all parties to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers operating under UN Security Council mandates.
It also reiterated support for UN Security Council Resolution 2589 on accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, warning that assaults on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and must be fully investigated.