The event was attended by representatives of local political, religious and military authorities, as well as delegations of different nationalities present in UNIFIL.
Mr Alfano, in his speech, wanted to point out the importance of UNIFIL, considered the main stabilizing force in the region, but also highlighted the links between Italy and Lebanon, and the growing cooperation between the two countries " will soon lead to a new goal, with the opening of the Lebanese armed forces training center ".
The occasion was propitious to trace, in the presence of the UNIFIL force commander and head of mission, General Luciano Portolano, a point of situation on the numerous stabilization initiatives carried out in the last six months by the Italian contingent, in close coordination with the Lebanese armed forces (LAF). These activities, conducted also to support the local population and institutions, have certainly contributed to maintaining and increasing stability and security in southern Lebanon and, consequently, in the whole country and in the Middle East area.
As evidence of the excellent results achieved during his tenure, the transferor commander of Sector West, general Fabio Polli, was awarded the prestigious Lebanese Honor Medal.
Leading the over three thousand peacekeepers operating in UNIFIL's Sector West will now be General Stefano Del Col, who returns to Lebanon after the experience gained in the 2008 as commander of the Italbatt Task Force.
Source: Head of the UNIFIL West Sector Public Information Cell, cap. Massimo Grizzo
