The Chief of the Defense Staff of Italy, General Enzo Vecciarelli, praised the Lebanese Army and its performance during the dire conditions that Lebanon is going through.
Speaking to Lebanese Army Magazine about Italy‘s role in UNIFIL, Gen. Vecciarelli emphasized that the Lebanese Army “has carried out its duties to the fullest in light of the complex circumstances” in the country.
The officer went on to congratulate Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Gen. Joseph Aoun for the Army’s “capabilities and efforts exerted during the various training and operational activities that were carried out jointly with the Italian unit.”
“The Lebanese people should be proud of their army and the growth path that UNIFIL has helped it reach,” he stressed.
Vecciarelli affirmed that Lebanese public opinion “has always considered the Lebanese Army the primary, impartial, and guarantor institution for respect for the institutional framework and national stability.”
He noted the challenges that the Army has had to face in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the August 4 Beirut explosion, reiterating his praise of its performance.
“I would like to commend the Lebanese Army for the results it has achieved, which we are proud of because the Italians have contributed for years to ensuring training and support in both Italy and Lebanon, as part of the Italian military mission MIBIL and UNIFIL.”
Gen. Vecciarelli asserted that preserving the Army’s high operational capabilities is an essential factor to ensuring the stability of the region and fighting terrorism, affirming Italy‘s continued support for Lebanon and its security forces.
