Beirut – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Gentiloni had a meeting today at the Farnesina with General Luciano Portolano, Military Force Commander and Chief of Mission of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL II). During the meeting, Gentiloni enquired about the new assessment elements, the overall framework security evolution in Lebanon and the prospects of UNIFIL II, also in the light of serious repercussions of regional developments, particularly in Syria. Gentiloni reported a unanimous appreciation collecting for General Portolano’s work and said that “our commitment to UNIFIL is a concrete testimony of Italy’s support to the United Nations, in a context as delicate as that of the Middle East.” Italy employs about 1,100 UNIFIL peacekeepers, and has held the role of Military Force Commander and Chief of Mission since 2012. UNIFIL contributes significantly to the stability of Lebanon and the entire region. (9Colonne)
