BEIRUT: Italian President Giorgio Napolitano voiced hope Tuesday that the Middle East would see the accomplishment of a comprehensive peace solution while Lebanon enjoys continued stability and security.
Napolitano said he also hoped for the prompt formation of a Lebanese cabinet, following talks with Claudio Graziano, general commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), during his visit to the UNIFIL headquarters in the village of Naqoura in southern Lebanon.
Napolitano, who was accompanied by Italy’s defense minister, Ignazio Larussa, also praised the Italian battalion’s participation in reconstruction efforts, as well in the promotion of cultural activities.
On Monday night, President Michel Sleiman stressed the importance of Italy’s role within the European Union, its active contributions to UNIFIL and its support for Lebanon.
Speaking at a dinner at Baabda Palace in honor of his guest, Sleiman emphasized the need to strengthen Lebanese-Italian bilateral ties on all levels, as well as pursuing efforts to reach a comprehensive peace solution for the Mideast conflict, based on UN resolutions and the Arab Initiative for Peace.
For his part, Napolitano stressed Italy’s continuous support for Lebanon, as well as the implementation of UN Resolutions, adding that both Sleiman and Italy shared the same view on Middle East issues.
Napolitano also underscored the special ties between his country and Lebanon.
Napolitano held talks over dinner at Baabda Palace following his arrival in Beirut on Monday night, accompanied by a delegation of Italian state officials.
Napolitano arrived on a private plane at Rafik Hariri International Airport , where he was received by Sleiman’s representative, caretaker Prime Minister Fouad Siniora; Minister of State Nassib Lahoud; and Italy’s Ambassador to Lebanon Gabriele Checchia.
UNIFIL was established by a UN Security Council Resolution in 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese government in restoring its effective authority in the area.
As of June, Italy continued to deploy the biggest component of the peacekeeping force, with 2,662 troops, followed by France (1,444), Indonesia (1,248) and Spain (1,044).
Following Israel’s 2006 summer war on Lebanon, the Security Council issued Resolution 1701, enhancing the force and bolstering its original mandate to include monitoring the cessation of hostilities and increasing military and humanitarian roles.
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