Religious leaders meet in southern Lebanon

26/06/14

In the framework of the meetings held to consolidate the good relations existing between the military contingent of UNIFIL and the different religious communities present in the area in which the blue helmets of the Joint Task Force Lebanon operate, the commander of the Sector West, general Fabio Polli, organized yesterday a meeting with the main confessional authorities of southern Lebanon.

The event, held at the "Millevoi" base in Shama in a positive climate of cordiality, a few days after the beginning of Ramadan, was attended by the Shiite mufti Hassan Abdallh, the Greek Orthodox bishop George Bakouni and the Imam Issam Kassab, representing the Sunni mufti Medral Al Habbal, as well as the military chaplain of the contingent, Don Flavio Riva.

General Polli, in welcoming the illustrious guests, underlined the importance of dialogue and confrontation between the different religious communities to build solid collaborative relationships, with a view to peaceful and respectful coexistence and ensured continuity in their commitment to encourage this fundamental process.

Subsequently, assisted by the CIMIC Head Cell of JTF Lebanon, Lieutenant Colonel Venanzio Abbatinali, he illustrated the main activities conducted by the blue helmets of the Sector West in support of the local population.

Religious leaders expressed their gratitude to General Polli for organizing the meeting and, in particular, for the Italian contribution to security and peace in southern Lebanon.

Source: Army Majority Staff