Italian Army Chief of Staff, General Claudio Graziano, on Monday 10 March visited UNIFIL Headquarters in Naquora, South Lebanon. He was met by UNIFIL Force Commander and Head of Mission, Major-General Paolo Serra and senior staff of the peacekeeping mission.

During his visit, General Graziano was briefed about the situation in UNIFIL's area of operations in south Lebanon and issues related to the implementation of UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701.

In addressing the troops General Graziano said: "I am very happy to visit Lebanon once again. I am here to express my full and strong support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and for the work carried out by the Mission in full cooperation and coordination with the LAF. They are together running a mission that is vital for the security and stability of south Lebanon."

Later in the day, General Graziano accompanied by the Force Commander visited UNIFIL Sector West Headquarters in Shamaa where he was briefed by Sector West Commander Brigadier-General Maurizio Ricco' and met with Italian troops and UNIFIL staff members.

General Graziano praised the achievements of his country's contingent, noting the ease with which soldiers adapted in their new environment and highlighting the "excellent relationship they established with residents."

After serving as UNIFIL Force Commander from 2007 until 2010, General Graziano has been regularly visited UNIFIL in his capacity of Italian Army Chief of Staff and as a good friend of Lebanon.

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Video Editor: Suzane Badereddine
Video Camera: Mohamad Hamze
Photo: Pascual Gorriz Marcos

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