NAQOURA (LEBANON), AUGUST 4 – As part of the UNIFIL mission involving the interposition force deployed in South Lebanon, the Italian contingent has switched commands from the army’s Alpine Brigade “Taurinense” to the Airmobile Brigade “Friuli.”
In a ceremony presided over by the Head of Mission and Force Commander of Interim Force in Lebanon, Stefano Del Col, Brigadier General Davide Scalabrin passed on the United Nations’ flag to General Stefano Lagorio. The event was attended by Italian Ambassador in Lebanon, Nicoletta Bombardiere, as well as local civil and military authorities.
General Del Col thanked the Italian Alpine army for the “great work accomplished in this semester, during which the Brigade was able to effectively remodel the various operational activities, both in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), as well as in the delicate monitoring of the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, even during the difficult moments of crisis and instability in the entire Middle Eastern area.”
The Airmobile Brigade “Friuli,” flying the colors of the United Nations on its fourth mission in Lebanon, will assume command of the West sector of UNIFIL. The West sector includes 3,800 Peacekeeping soldiers from 16 of the 46 countries contributing to the UNIFIL mission, including 1,000 Italian soldiers.
To achieve the objectives of UN Security Council’s Resolution 1701, the Italian Peacekeepers “have always known how to act with impartiality and transparency, establishing relationships of esteem and respect with LAF colleagues and constantly gaining the unanimous consent of the institutions and local population, also through the implementation of targeted Civil-military co-operation projects,” said General Del Col, underlining that the actions taken to support those in need have been made consistent with the critical situation caused first by the global pandemic, and subsequently by the deterioration of the socio-economic fabric of the country.
During the “Taurinense” mandate, the close coordination between the Civil-military co-operation Cell (CIMIC), the Veterinary Official, the Gender and Medical Advisor, and the component of Public Information has allowed for the development of projects aimed at self-sustainability. Recent developments include the implementation of female entrepreneurship courses and the construction of eco-sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural areas, efforts that boost the micro-economy and pave the way for increased campaigning to motivate pilot projects in the community.
Optimistic regarding the developments, General Del Col offered encouragement to the Italian Airmobile Brigade, expressing the desire that they “continue in the path traced by the previous contingents, operating with balance, professionalism, impartiality, diplomacy, effectiveness, credibility, and respect.” (@BrittanyBryantF)
