Outgoing UNIFIL Commander Pays Farewell Visits to Lebanese Officials

Outgoing United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Commander Major General Paolo Serra met with several Lebanese officials on Tuesday on a farewell visit, accompanied by his successor Major-General Luciano Portolano.

Serra said at the end of his tour on senior officials that he wanted to “thank them for their unflinching support.”

He pointed out that he discussed the latest developments in UNIFIL's area of operations and “efforts exerted in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces to maintain calm along the Blue Line,” a statement issued by the UNIFIL said.

Serra considered that the LAF “have remained steadfast on the course charted by U.N. Security Council resolution 1701, backed up by the political leadership, shoulder to shoulder with UNIFIL peacekeepers.”

“We have come a long way since 2006,” he noted.

Serra was handed over the UNIFIL command in January 2012.

The official expressed gratitude to the “communities that are hosting us, their understanding and acceptance of UNIFIL’s role amidst them,” describing their support as “valuable.”

He held separate talks with Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Tammam Salam, Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji and General Security Chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim.

Serra introduced his successor, Maj.-Gen. Portolano, who is also from Italy.

“UNIFIL will continue to build on the strong foundations for peace in the South under my successor Major-General Portolano,” the official stressed.

Maj.-Gen. Portolano will be handed over the position of UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander on July 24.

H.K.

M.T.