UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra today called on President Michel Sleiman, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Read more >>

These were Major-General Serra's first formal meetings with top Lebanese officials after assuming Command of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on 28 January 2012.

Issues related to the implementation of UNIFIL's mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701 were discussed, with particular focus on cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

Following the meetings Major-General Serra said: "I was very encouraged by the warm reception from the leaders and the strong support they expressed for our mission. I assured them of continuity in UNIFIL's operations and my own personal commitment to Lebanon and to our mandate under resolution 1701."

"UNIFIL is here at the invitation of the Government of Lebanon and all our efforts and activities are carried out in coordination with our hosts. Our work together with the Lebanese Armed Forces has brought substantial improvement in the security environment in the south and I am intent on taking this strategic partnership forward."

"I count on the continued support of the State leadership whose involvement is essential for the success of our mission. Equally important for me is to maintain and build strong relations with the people of south Lebanon who have welcomed us in their midst and whose safety is at the heart of our operations."