UNITED NATIONS, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Another Indonesian peacekeeper serving in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) died earlier Friday, a UN spokesperson said.
Rico Pramudia succumbed to wounds sustained in an incident that took place on March 29, when a projectile hit his position in southern Lebanon amid hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, at a daily briefing.
"The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of 31-year-old Corporal Rico Pramudia, of Indonesia, as well as to the Government and people of his country," the spokesperson said.
On that weekend, another incident claimed the life of Indonesian peacekeeper Fahrizal Rambe, he said. Preliminary findings of the investigation indicated that a shell fired from an Israel Defense Forces Merkava tank struck a UNIFIL position, leading to the death of Rambe.
"The Secretary-General once again calls on all to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel, as well as the inviolability of UN property and assets at all times," said Dujarric.
To date, six peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL have been killed and several others seriously injured amid the recent hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, he said. "These incidents are unacceptable and they must stop."
"We have requested that the relevant parties ensure these cases are investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted by national authorities in order to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure accountability. Attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law," said Dujarric. ■
