Lebanon and Italy welcome new UNIFIL commander Beirut – George Shahin Diplomatic and military sources told ‘Arabstoday’ that the decision taken by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to appoint General Paulo Serra as new commander of the International Forces, following his Italian counterpart General Alberto Asarta, was proof that the International Community believes in the major role played by the forces in South Lebanon,as they understand the situation.
The UN decision also proved that their assigned mission to implement the International resolutions –  particularly resolution 1701 issued August 12, 2006 following the sixth Israeli war on Lebanon which lasted 33 days – is not yet over, despite the obstacles the forces faced.
Sources stated that the timing of such decision, which preceded Ban Ki-moon’s visit to Lebanon scheduled for the end of next week, is of particular significance in confronting the assaults on the Italian and French troops for the past three months, thus, both Italian and Lebanese references welcomed the approach.
Italian Foreign Minister Giolio Terzi and Italian Defense Minister Giampaoulo Di Paula expressed their full satisfaction for the Secretary General’s decision to appoint Italian Paulo Serra new commander of UNIFIL. Both stated, in a joint statement issued by the Italian Foreign Ministry, that one of the most important goals of the Italian security policy, which is considered the primary sponsor of the UN International Forces, is to maintain an effective level of its military presence in crisis regions.
“within this context [of Serra’s appointment], the two ministers underscore that Italy reiterates its convinced determination to pursue and ensure a front-line contribution to implementing Resolution 1701, which describes the mandate and tasks of the UNIFIL mission,” the statement added.
“Serra’s appointment,” the ministers said, is a “significant confirmation of the political and strategic importance of Italy’s active role in furthering stability and security in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, the dynamics of which are of vital importance to international security.”
Meanwhile, regarding the media spread news about Israel’s intention to build a 5 meter wall between Lebanese Kfarkila and Metulla settlement, UNIFIL spokesman Neeraj Singh stated that UNIFIL is in contact with both parties to improve the security arrangements in the region.
"Given the sensitivity of the area, we consider it imperative to reach agreed solutions with both the sides on practical measures to ease sporadic tensions, minimize the scope for any possible misunderstandings and build confidence among the parties," he told Agence France Presse on Tuesday.
Israel, on the other hand continues to violate Lebanese airspace daily by sending drones despite the international community's condemnation.