Ministero della Difesa

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"I am delighted to be here with you, and to bring you the gratitude of our country and of the entire international community for the contribution to the cause of peace, security and international stability you are providing in this wonderful as well as complicated country.

I know that Christmas is the time when you miss your homes, families and loved ones most. On behalf of Italy and of the Italian Government, let me extend to you, your families and the other foreign contingents my most sincere and warmest wishes of a merry Christmas and happy New Year".

Defence Minister Elisabetta Trenta extended her holiday greetings to the military of the Italian Contingent engaged in UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon). Today Minister Trenta accompanied Speaker of the Senate Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati to Lebanon, to greet the Italian military at UNIFIL.Sector West base

The Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Massimo Marotti, welcomed the authorities on their arrival. Then, joined by UNIFIL Head of Mission-Force Commander, Gen.Stefano Del Col, after flying over the Blue Line (the Israeli-Lebanese border) he accompanied the Speaker and Minister to Millevoi Base, in Shama, headquarters to Joint Task Force Lebanon (JTF-L) Sector West (SW).  

There, Speaker of the Senate Casellati was welcomed by B. Gen. Diodato Abagnara, Commander JTF-L (based on Bersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi"). Ms Casellati - after a briefing by the Mission Commander and Sector West Commander on the area geopolitical situation  and tasks assigned to the national contingent- laid a wreath to the Fallen. She then met with the Italian peacekeepers. On this occasion, she underscored the importance of the UNIFIL Mission and the crucial role of the Blue Helmets in the complex and sensitive Lebanese scenario, at a particularly  delicate time for the Middle East.

The Speaker of the Senate, wishing a merry Christmas and happy New Year to the Italian military – who had assembled a very special Manger in Shama, in a tent oriented toward Bethlehem (barely 160 km away)- expressed her gratitude for their constant commitment, and for the appreciation it sparks in the Italian people and at the international level.: "I am here to thank you for your engagement and competence in carrying out your job. You enhance Italy's prestige within the International Community. Moreover, your commitment is made more relevant and implies greater responsibilities since you work both for your country and the United Nations. Let me express, on behalf of the Italian people, my respect, trust and love for you, also in memory of all those who have lost their live as members of the UNIFIL Mission. Peacebuilding comes at a cost. Our wishes and gratitude go to all our soldiers, wherever they are engaged, and all the Armed Forces. I am aware of the problems, risks and sacrifices entailed in your mission. I know how difficult it is for you to be away from your beloved ones and your Homeland. However, I can assure you that Italy will never desert you. Our country is proud to be close to its military who are committed to peace in difficult contexts such as Lebanon. Once again let me thank you and extend my warmest wishes of a merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and your families".