Fiji leader visits soldiers memorial in Lebanon

Fiji's prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, visited the Cana Memorial in Lebanon on Thursday to pay respects to the 36 Fijians who passed away while part of the United Nations peace keeping force in Lebanon.

In paying tribute the Prime Minister said Fiji will remember these brave men always.

He said their sacrifice speaks to Fiji's rock solid commitment to UN efforts to support peace across conflict zones in the world.

The Cana memorial was constructed by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces as a tribute and a symbol of Fiji's long involvement with UNIFIL (the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon).

Fiji media is reporting when the last deployment returns to Fiji next month it is likely to be the end of Fiji's involvement in UNIFIL.

Fiji has been part of the mission since 1978.