Dear Director,
I am writing to you because the allusions and opinions expressed by the letter from you published yesterday regarding the incident that occurred to an Italian contingent in Lebanon, raises questions that cannot be left to superficial and summary judgments.
The activities of Italian soldiers operating in the difficult Lebanese context, within the UNIFIL mission, have always been characterized by great professionalism, dedication and above all by that ability to know how to dialogue with all the realities of the fractioned Lebanese landscape. An ability that has been and is recognized by all and that is the fruit of the careful preparation of our military, of the profound values they possess and of sensitivity and intelligence to adapt to different situations.
The goals we have achieved, the international credibility and the support we feel from the country are the result of personal sacrifices, often paid dearly for the blood of the fallen and the wounded.
I strongly reject the allusions to the sender on the confidence of citizens in the military that remains unchanged and solid. Our soldiers receive certificates of esteem and are appreciated for their daily work for the internal and external security of the country. This is our mission! The citizens see us in their midst in the streets and in the cities, by their side when there is need during disasters and emergency situations. A solid relationship without uncertainties.
The more than twenty years of operations abroad, to safeguard peace and stability in multiple crisis areas, are the clearest testimony of the real capacity of our Italian Armed Forces and of the courage of our military, all and without distinction that have given proof to be able to operate throughout the spectrum of missions, even those with the highest operational intensity that required combat actions, arousing the appreciation of the friendly and allied forces with whom we worked. But above all of the populations to which our support activity is directed, deserving the esteem and consensus of the country.
Lastly, it is especially important to speculate about a modernization program that is part of the broader military instrument review process which involves all the Armed Forces to guarantee them the resources to operate harmoniously nationally and internationally. A process that touches, at this particular time, all the European armed forces committed to effectively addressing the multiple security challenges.
The military is the expression of national values, serving the country and we are proud of what we do and what we represent. We always face commitments with seriousness and with our heads held high. We never went and we're never going to hide.
Col. Riccardo Cristoni
Head of Public Information Office
Defense General Staff
