UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Luciano Portolano today hosted local authorities and religious leaders from south Lebanon at the UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura to convey UNIFIL's wishes for a peaceful 2016 and discuss issues of common concern to UNIFIL and the local communities.

Major-General Portolano expressed his gratitude to the leaders for their continued support, cooperation and friendship as a necessary element for the implementation of UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701.

He said: "Today is a very significant occasion for me as I can spend some valuable time with you and have the opportunity to hear your ideas and concerns as well as share my thoughts. We both have a common goal: to bring peace and stability in southern Lebanon so that its people can live a safe and prosperous life. Your role is of paramount importance in gaining the acceptance that UNIFIL deserves in your communities."

"We will continue working with LAF in order to maintain a safe and stable environment for the people of south Lebanon."

"I am truly committed to build on past achievements and enhance our working and personal relationship in the coming year. In 2015, UNIFIL has undertaken more than 12,000 CIMIC (Civil-Military Co-operation) and Civil Affairs initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of the people of south Lebanon. We are resolved to doing even more this year."

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Video Editor: Aoibheann O'Sullivan, Mohamad Hamze
Video Camera: Ghifar Charafeddine
Photo: Pascual Gorriz Marcos
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