NNA - Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta, visited Saturday UNIFIL headquarters in al-Naqoura, where he met with UNIFIL Commander, Gen. Paolo Serra, and senior officers. Talks centered on UNIFIL's mission and role in South Lebanon.



Letta then checked on his country's contingent operating within UNIFIL in the town of Shame'e in the South, where he was welcomed by UNIFIL Western Sector Commander Mauricio Rico; Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Morabito; Consul of Italy in the South, Ahmed Seklawi, and senior Italian officers.



Letta had a closer look at the work of the Italian contingent and its duties with regards to the implementation of UN Resolution # 1701. He seized the opportunity to commend its role in the South; stressing his country's commitment to participating in the UNIFIL task force and aiding Lebanon in boosting its authority over its southern lands.



Speaking before Italian soldiers who gathered to salute him, Letta expressed sincere joy for being amongst them and praised their efforts in helping to spread peace in the region. He also expressed warm greetings and well-wishes on the occasion of the holiday season.


Following the visit, Letta returned by helicopter to Beirut.



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