Naqoura, Lebanon – The Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Monti, today visited his country's troops deployed with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra welcomed the Prime Minister at UNIFIL's Sector West headquarters at Shamaa in southern Lebanon. Also present was Brigadier-General Carlo Lamanna, the UNIFIL Sector West Commander.

"Italy is a leading contributor to UNIFIL. Prime Minister Monti's visit is yet another proof of the continued commitment of Italy and the international community as a whole to UNIFIL's mission. This is very much appreciated," the Force Commander said.

The Force Commander briefed the Italian Prime Minister about UNIFIL's deployment and tasks and stressed that UNIFIL was committed to the implementation of its mandate under UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).

During the visit, Prime Minister Monti met with Italian troops serving in UNIFIL and greeted them on the occasion of the Easter Holiday.

Italy currently has more than 1,100 military personnel serving in UNIFIL and also provides four helicopters for air support to the Mission. UNIFIL has a total of about 12,000 military personnel, including about 1,000 in the Maritime Task Force, from 37 countries.

The civilian component of UNIFIL numbers more than 300 international and some 700 national staff.