Morabito Urges Lebanon to Continue Respecting International Resolutions
Italian ambassador to Lebanon Giuseppe Morabito stressed on Thursday that Lebanon should continue to respect its international commitments and cooperation with the international community.
“The Lebanese people and political components are wise. They understand that Lebanon has no interest in isolating itself from the international community,” Morabito said in an interview with An Nahar newspaper.
He urged the international community to involve more in “supporting the (Lebanese) army with equipment and training.”
Asked about the arms south of the Litani River, Morabito said that the problem isn’t limited to this area, saying weapons are spread throughout the country “especially in the areas where the government has no authority.”
He expressed belief that the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon will be able to carry out its duties at the security and political levels.
Morabito noted that downgrading the Italian contingent was due to budget reasons, noting that the strategy review of its peacekeeping force in Lebanon focuses on "operational configuration and strategy of the mission."
He expressed optimism that the Lebanese investigations will reveal the assailants who attacked the U.N. peacekeepers.
In December, Five French soldiers and two civilians were wounded by a powerful roadside bomb that targeted a UNIFIL patrol in the southern coastal city of Tyre.
Morabito told the daily that Italian commander Maj. Gen. Paolo Sera has what is needed to command the peacekeeping force.
United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon appointed Sera as UNIFIL commander to succeed Spain’s Maj. Gen. Alberto Asarta.
Concerning the Syrian crisis, the ambassador stressed that the Lebanese leaders should safeguard Lebanon from any repercussions.
“We support the efforts exerted by the Arab League, but Syrian President Bashar Assad should stop killing people.”
Italy’s defense minister Giampaolo Di Paola and foreign minister Giulio Terzi are scheduled to arrive in Lebanon on Friday on a two-day official visit to participate in the ceremony of change of command at the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura.
The ministers are scheduled to meet with senior Lebanese officials as they will tackle the situation in Lebanon, developments in Syria and the UNIFIL.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/27886 |