Brigadier General Antoun Mourad has been a member of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Blue Line Committee since 2000. In this episode, we meet him and his LAF colleagues working with UNIFIL’s political and geographical teams in remote points along the Line of Withdrawal or “Blue Line.” Their task is to measure, mark and verify specific points along the Blue Line that have been agreed by the LAF and the Israel Defense Forces, before UNIFIL constructs blue barrels on these points, making the Line visible to the communities living on both sides of the line.
BACKGROUND ON THE "BLUE LINE":
The 120-km Line of Withdrawal, or “Blue line” as it is more commonly known, was established by the United Nations in the year 2000 to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. At a tripartite meeting in 2007, both parties agreed to visibly mark the Blue Line on the ground. It is important to note: The Blue Line does not in any way represent an international border and is without prejudice to any future border agreements between Lebanon and Israel. The Blue Line marking process is an ongoing tripartite project to foster mutual trust and to diffuse tensions. Blue barrels also directly contribute to the security of the people living on both sides of the Blue Line by preventing inadvertent crossing. To date, UNIFIL in coordination with both parties, has measured 282 points, and 268 Blue Line Barrels have been constructed.
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With thanks to all who participated in the making of this film.
This campaign series was a collaborative project within UNIFIL’s Strategic Communication and Public Information Office.
Credits are in alphabetical order.
Series Conceptualized & Directed by: Aoibheann O’Sullivan
Producers: Suzane Badereddine & Aoibheann O’Sullivan
Executive Producers: Imran Riza & Malene Kamp Jensen
Camera: Mohamad Hamze & Aoibheann O’Sullivan
Editors: Suzane Badereddine & Aoibheann O’Sullivan
Graphics: Zeina Ezzeddine
Photos: Pascual Gorriz-Marcos
Translation: Adib Al-Moussa, Hiba Monzer, Joumana Sayegh
Voice Over: Ghifar Charafeddine, Mohamad Hamze,
Social Media: Zeina Ezzeddine & Dany Fouad Ghafary
Administrative Assistance: Patrick Chama
Music: Audio Jungle
© UNIFIL 2017