The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Sunday paid tribute to French peacekeeper Sergeant-Chef Florian Montorio, who was killed in southern Lebanon, as his mortal remains were repatriated to France, according to an official press release by the United Nations (UN).
UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara led a solemn ceremony at Beirut airport, honouring
Montorio's "service and sacrifice".
"We are here for you today; we are here to stand before you and to honour you," the UNIFIL head told a memorial ceremony. "As your commander, I speak to you with respect and with a heavy heart.
Florian, your service does not end here. It lives on in what we do next as soldiers, as peacekeepers; we all carry a responsibility to continue."