In the late morning today the Prime Minister Matteo Renzi arrived, accompanied by the Chief of Defense Staff, General Claudio Graziano, at the "Millevoi" base in Shama, headquarters of the UNIFIL West Sector command for a visit to the Italian contingent in Lebanon.
To welcome him, thehead of mission e force commander of the UNIFIL mission, division general, Luciano Portolano, together with the commander of the national contingent, Brigadier General Franco Federici. The visit was an opportunity to take stock of the entire UNIFIL operation area and the work of Italian troops in the south of the country.
President Renzi, speaking to the Italian contingent, had words of praise for the men and women of the armed forces engaged in peace operations and referring to the blue helmets of the Taurinense engaged in Lebanon reiterated: "you are highly professional soldiers who with great humanity carry out your precious work at the service of Italian institutions and peace away from your families" - and concluding - "you make us proud to be Italian"
Before leaving Shama, the president of the council wanted to meet the men and women of the national contingent in an informal embrace, to convey the Italian government's closeness to them and their families on the occasion of the upcoming Christmas holidays.
The Italian contingent, currently based on the Alpine Brigade "Taurinense", operates in full compliance with the tasks assigned by United Nations resolution 1701 in order to monitor the cessation of hostilities, support the Lebanese armed forces and ensure appropriate support for the local population.
