The army chief of staff visiting Lebanon

11/03/14

The army corps general Claudio Graziano, army chief of staff, formerly the UN force commander in Lebanon from the 2007 to the 2010, visited the UNIFIL mission yesterday.

To greet him at the heliport of the headquarters of Naqoura, Division General Paolo Serra, Head of Mission and Force Commander.

The high military authority was updated on the operational situation in South Lebanon and met a representative of Italian soldiers of the UNIFIL command, addressing them a greeting address.

The Army Chief of Staff continued the visit to the "Millevoi" base in Shama where he was welcomed by Brigadier General Maurizio Riccò, commander of the Joint Task Force Lebanon, based on the brigade "Granatieri di Sardegna".

During the meetings, General Graziano expressed words of deep appreciation for the meritorious work carried out by the Italian soldiers committed, with great professionalism, within the delicate mandate contained in the UN Security Council 1701 resolution. In this context, in addition to to support the local population, the Italian contingent is working closely with the Lebanese army, conducting joint "on the ground" operations of an operational nature, including fixed and mobile patrols and checkpoints, to help maintain the current situation of calm in the difficult regional context.

UNIFIL, is made up of about 12 soldiers from 38 nations and about 1000 civilian representatives, of which 700 are local and 300 international. The data provided also includes the naval component equipped with 8 ships from 6 different countries and 1000 sailors making up the Maritime Task Force operating along the Lebanese coasts, and ITALAIR made up of helicopters from the Italian Army.

Source: Italian contingent in Lebanon