Italian General Diodato Abagnara has officially taken command of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), expressing deep honor and commitment to the mission's goals.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the new commander paid tribute to the peacekeepers who lost their lives in service, describing their sacrifices as a stark reminder of the risks UNIFIL personnel face daily.
He thanked his predecessor, General Aroldo Lázaro, for his steady leadership during a critical period, and expressed gratitude to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix for their continued trust and support.
General Abagnara also acknowledged the unwavering backing of the Italian government and the presence of Italy’s Chief of Defense Staff, General Luciano Portolano, at the event.
Abagnara highlighted the complexity and fragility of the mission environment, stressing the need for flexibility, innovation and steadfast dedication.
He underlined that Lebanon’s security is intricately connected to regional dynamics and global interests, making international cooperation essential. “Promoting stability,” he said, “requires joint action and transforming dialogue into tangible steps.”
The new commander emphasized that UNIFIL is currently undergoing a vital transformation to improve its effectiveness. He reaffirmed the mission’s core mandate: protecting civilians, monitoring the cessation of hostilities and supporting stability in southern Lebanon, in close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Calling for collective problem-solving and leveraging diverse expertise, Abagnara noted that while the security challenges remain real, international support and confidence in UNIFIL peacekeepers provide critical momentum.
“Peace is not achieved through slogans,” he concluded, “but through daily effort, courage and a shared belief in a better future.”
Comments