The General Director of Lebanon's General Security, Major-General Abbas Ibrahim, today paid a visit to the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) at Naqoura in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Luciano Portolano welcomed the General Director to the Mission Headquarters.

Major-General Ibrahim was briefed by the Force Commander on the situation in UNIFIL's area of operations and issues related to the implementation of UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). They also talked about the need for continued close cooperation between UNIFIL and Lebanon's General Security in their efforts to preserve stability and calm in southern Lebanon. Discussions also focused on issues related to regional developments and security issues in the north of the country.

Following the meeting, Major-General Luciano Portolano expressed appreciation for the visit: "We had a very useful meeting and I am very grateful for the support I have received from Major-General Ibrahim. I also conveyed my particular appreciation and strong support for the work of the Lebanese General Security in UNIFIL's area of operations notwithstanding their immense security responsibilities elsewhere in the country".

UNIFIL Force Commander said: "I have high admiration for the hard work and sacrifices made by the Lebanese security apparatuses for their country under very challenging circumstances."

General Portolano thanked Major-General Ibrahim for the invaluable assistance of Lebanon's General Security to UNIFIL personnel to ensure a smooth implementation of the mission's operations.