Accompanied by the Italian ambassador in Beirut, Massimo Marotti, the minister and his delegation were received by the divisional general Luciano Portolano, head of mission and commander of the UNIFIL forces who, during a brief meeting, illustrated to the owner of the Farnesina the most significant aspects of the mission providing an update on the operational situation in South Lebanon. In describing the progress achieved in the implementation of the 1701 Resolution, General Portolano wanted to underline how the period of substantial stability that is affecting the South of Lebanon is " the result of close cooperation with the government authorities and the joint effort exercised daily by the Lebanese Armed Forces alongside UNIFIL peacekepeers in the control of the land operations area, in particular the Maritime Task Force's monitoring of the Blue Line and the maritime one ".
During the meeting the main topics related to the Middle East were also discussed, including the evolution of the Syrian crisis which in recent months has undergone a sharp acceleration with inevitable repercussions on regional security and stability and therefore on the relative delicate geopolitical balances.
Confirming Italy's role in supporting the process of consolidating Lebanese stability in synergy with the Lebanese institutions and the UN, Minister Gentiloni reiterated its support for the UNIFIL mission which, under the Italian leadership, continues to effectively fulfill its important stabilizing function, preventing the tensions in the region from escalating and encouraging dialogue between the parties.
The visit was also an opportunity for the minister and his delegation to fly over the UNIFIL operations area along the Blue Line - the armistice line between Lebanon and Israel, the true focus of the full implementation of the 1701 resolution.
Before leaving UNIFIL Headquarters, the Minister of Foreign Affairs gave his salutation and that of the executive to the men and women of the Italian contingent operating both at Naqoura and in the "Western Sector" of UNIFIL currently led Brigata Aeromobile Friuli , based in Shama, under the command of Brigadier Salvatore Cuoci.
With almost 1100 blue helmets Italy represents the second contributing country, in terms of personnel, to the UNIFIL mission made up of more than 10000 military, coming from 39 Nations, and about 1000 civil employees.
Source: UNIFIL - PIO magg. Paolo Lafiosca
