China congratulates Botswana on successfully holding its general elections, and is willing to strengthen bilateral ties, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
Botswana held its general elections on October 30, and Duma Boko, leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change, was elected as the country's new president.
He was sworn in as the 6th President of Botswana on Friday by Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane at the High Court.
"We congratulate Botswana on the successful holding of its general elections, and express our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Boko on his election and swearing-in as the President of Botswana. We wish Botswana success in its national development under President Boko's leadership. Botswana is an important partner of China in southern Africa. The two countries enjoy a profound traditional friendship and fruitful practical cooperation, bringing great benefits to the two peoples. China is willing to work together with Botswana to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, constantly enhance political mutual trust and practical cooperation in various fields, and push for positive progress in the strategic partnership between the two countries," said Mao.
China congratulates Botswana on successful general elections
Preliminary findings indicate that Israeli tank fire and a Hezbollah explosive were likely responsible for the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon last week, a UN spokesperson said at a daily briefing on Tuesday.
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) shared the initial findings of its inquiry with the governments of Indonesia, Israel and Lebanon, said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
He said these are preliminary findings based on initial physical evidence, adding that a full UN investigation continues.
The spokesman said that all actors must fulfill their obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers at all times. The inviolability of UN installations must be respected.
"These incidents are unacceptable. We have requested with the relevant parties that the cases be investigated and prosecuted by national authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure criminal accountability for crimes against peacekeepers. Attacks on United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law," said Dujarric.
The three Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in two separate incidents in southern Lebanon in late March. A UN investigation determined that one died when Israeli tank fire struck a UNIFIL position on March 29. The next day, two others were killed when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle in a logistics convoy near Bani Hayyan. Initial findings pointed to a roadside blast.
UNIFIL paid tribute to the life and work of the fallen peacekeepers in an April 2 ceremony at Rafik Hariri International Airport, Beirut, before their remains were repatriated.
The three peacekeepers were posthumously awarded medals in recognition of their dedicated service to UNIFIL's mission in southern Lebanon.
On Saturday, the remains of the three fallen Indonesian peacekeepers arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport where they were received with honors by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto before being transferred to their respective hometowns for final rites.
The secretary-general earlier condemned the killings, extended his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers and to the government of Indonesia, while expressing appreciation for the courage and service of all men and women serving with UNIFIL.
The UN Security Council, which mandated the UNIFIL mission, also condemned the attacks in a statement, offering condolences to the victims' families and to Indonesia. Council members reaffirmed their full support for UNIFIL.
Israeli tank fire, Hezbollah explosive likely killed 3 UN peacekeepers in Lebanon: spokesperson
