Lebanon: Philip VI visits UNIFIL

09/04/15

Yesterday morning Philip VI, King of Spain, visited the UNIFIL mission. The general of division Luciano Portolano, head of the Mission and commander of the UN Force in southern Lebanon, welcomed him at the Spanish base of Marjayoun, the Spanish general commander of the east sector of UNIFIL and Samir Moqbel, deputy prime minister and Lebanese defense minister .

During the meeting, General Portolano illustrated the ongoing activities connected with the mandate of the UN Security Council's 1701 resolution, providing a general update of the complex operational framework.

In particular, the UNIFIL commander emphasized the importance and the strategic value of the "Tripartite" table, the only instrument of dialogue between Israel and Lebanon, capable of resolving problems and problems related to the implementation of the 1701 resolution. Precisely on this last theme, the king of Spain has renewed the full support of his nation in the incessant pacification of UNIFIL.

Before his departure the King paid tribute to the fallen of the mission with the deposition of a crown.

Spain currently contributes with 558 Blue helmets to the UNIFIL mission which is made up of over 10000 men and women from 38 countries, and approximately 1000 civil servants.