“I bring you the testimony and the satisfaction of the nation for what you are doing. Today the Armed Forces enjoy a reputation that has grown day by day thanks to what has been done by our contingents in various parts of the world. It is a matter of honor for me to work with people like you ”.
This is what the commander of the operational command of interforce forces (COI), Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, during the visit to the soldiers of the Italian contingent of UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon), the UN interposing force located in the southern area of Lebanon on the border with Israel.
At his first visit to a military contingent working abroad as COI commander, Admiral Cavo Dragone recalled the longstanding commitment of the Italian Armed Forces, which began in Beirut, Lebanon, which effectively kicked off the participation of Italy to modern international peace missions abroad.
"Our highly esteemed reputation", highlighted the commander of the IOC, "is due to the great balance, the absolute firmness and the sensitivity of our military towards the population. It is through these characters that our Italian character emerges, synonymous with security, respect and generosity in many areas of crisis marked by atrocious suffering ".
Underlining the distinctive traits of General Luciano Portolano's work, who a few days ago concluded his two-year mandate as commander of UNIFIL, Admiral Cavo Dragone urged the Italian "blue helmets" to continue the mission "with the same determination and with the same professionalism highlighted so far. All this ", he added," will be possible thanks to the charisma, ability and leadership of the commander of Sector West. I have been with you recently but I have known you for a long time. It is a source of great pride for me to be part of this magnificent team ”.
A thought finally went to the soldiers of the "Sassari" brigade. "Your deeds are well known. With the pride that distinguishes you and the experience you have gained, the results achieved so far can only be reconfirmed ".
Upon his arrival in Shama, accompanied by General Pierluigi Monteduro, Defense Officer of the Italian Embassy in Beirut, Admiral Cavo Dragone received military honors on the notes of "Dimonios", the famous anthem of the "Sassari" Brigade . Waiting for him, the commander of the Italian contingent, General Arturo Nitti, who took stock of the state of progress of the 1701 Resolution, reviewing the main issues related to the safety and stability of the area, underlining the decisive contribution provided from the Italian peacekeepers that continues to be a winning "operating model" capable of ensuring an unprecedented period of stability. Among the topics discussed, also the important work carried out with the Lebanese armed forces for stability and security in the area of responsibility.
The commander of the IOC then met the military of the maneuvering and stationing units at the "Millevoi" base in Shama, Al Mansouri and the operational bases along the "Blue line", the demarcation line separating Lebanon from Israel.
