Beirut – The Beirut Marathon took over Lebanon’s capital yesterday, attracting thousands of sport enthusiasts, including 200 members of UNIFIL, both peacekeepers and civilian staff. General Luciano Portolano, Head of Mission and Force Commander of the mission, participated in the event to express his solidarity with the country’s institutions and armed forces engaged in the outskirts of Tripoli and along the border with Syria, near Arsal. “We are here at the invitation of the Lebanese people and we work for them,” stressed Portolano, “to receive affection and esteem by these people is a sign of respect and awareness for the important work we do in support of Lebanon’s government and armed forces to maintain stability in the South. “(9Colonne)
