Latest news with #DiodatoAbagnara
MTV Lebanon
11-07-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
11 Jul 2025 10:57 AM UNIFIL – Sector West: Medal parade held
A solemn Medal Parade ceremony took place today at the 'Millevoi' base in Shama, during which personnel of UNIFIL's Sector West contingent were awarded the United Nations mission medal. The event, presided over by the Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL, Major General Diodato Abagnara, represented formal recognition of the commitment and dedication of the peacekeepers operating in southern Lebanon. Numerous military, religious, and civilian authorities attended the ceremony, highlighting the strong support and bond with the Italian-led multinational contingent. Under the command of Brigadier General Nicola Mandolesi, Sector West currently comprises 3,642 personnel deployed across 17 UN bases and drawn from 15 countries: Italy, Ghana, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Ireland, Poland, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Malta, Serbia, Tanzania, Hungary, Brunei, Brazil, and the Republic of North Macedonia. The operational component is structured into five battalions led respectively by Italy, Ghana, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and a joint Ireland-Poland battalion. Sector West is responsible for a vast area of approximately 650 square kilometers—equivalent to two-thirds of UNIFIL's entire area of operations—and works in close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). The multinational units maintain a dynamic and constant presence along the Blue Line, supporting the LAF in their redeployment to permanent positions, ensuring freedom of movement, and reinforcing security in the area. As stated by General Mandolesi: 'The results achieved in recent months are the outcome of the dedication and joint efforts of the multinational force of Sector West, in accordance with the mandate set out in Resolution 1701. Our continued presence along the Blue Line actively contributes to security and stability in southern Lebanon, while supporting respect for national sovereignty. In close cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), we support their activities in southern Lebanon to strengthen the authority of the State and promote state control over the entire area. Sector West personnel continue to provide vital assistance to local communities, facilitating humanitarian access and contributing to the protection of civilians. In line with Resolution 1701, we reiterate the call for the full withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from Lebanese territory, as their presence constitutes a violation of Resolution 1701 and the cessation of hostilities agreements.' UNIFIL Sector West will continue to carry out its mission with determination and in full accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, contributing meaningfully to the safety and stability of southern Lebanon.
LBCI
01-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
PM Salam says Lebanon formally requested United Nations to renew UNIFIL's mandate
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with a delegation from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), led by Force Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara, to discuss the security situation in South Lebanon and ongoing efforts to implement U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. The talks focused on strengthening cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army, particularly through increased coordination and joint operations aimed at stabilizing the volatile border region. The discussions also addressed emerging challenges facing the international peacekeeping mission amid escalating tensions in the south. Salam reiterated Lebanon's full commitment to Resolution 1701 and stressed the government's dedication to providing the necessary conditions for UNIFIL to carry out its mandate effectively. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of U.N. peacekeepers operating along the border. Salam confirmed that Lebanon has formally requested the United Nations to renew UNIFIL's mandate for an additional year, extending through August 31, 2026. The request aligns with the Lebanese government's decision issued on May 14, 2025. The prime minister underscored that lasting stability in South Lebanon remains impossible without Israel's complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory and a halt to its military violations.
LBCI
30-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's president meets UNIFIL's new commander to discuss border issues
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with the new commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), General Diodato Abagnara. The meeting stressed the importance of UNIFIL continuing its work alongside the Lebanese Army in the south to fully implement Resolution 1701. The meeting also emphasized the need for Israeli forces to withdraw from the five occupied sites in order to enable the Lebanese Army to complete its deployment up to the internationally recognized borders.
Nahar Net
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Aoun urges Israeli withdrawal from five occupied hills
by Naharnet Newsdesk 30 June 2025, 13:31 President Joseph Aoun met Monday with the new chief of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major General Diodato Abagnara of Italy. Aoun stressed to Abagnara 'the importance of the continuation of UNIFIL's work alongside the Lebanese Army in the South, in order to implement Resolution 1701 with all its stipulations,' the Presidency said. He also emphasized 'the need for the Israeli forces to withdraw from the five occupied hills, to enable the Lebanese Army to complete its deployment up to the internationally-recognized border.'
LBCI
24-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
UNIFIL changes command amidst tensions in South Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) held a change of command ceremony on Tuesday at its headquarters in Naqoura, as outgoing Spanish Commander Major General Aroldo Lázaro handed over authority to incoming Italian Major General Diodato Abagnara. The event unfolded against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with the sounds of interceptor missiles and the overhead presence of Israeli drones. Following a military parade by participating UNIFIL units, Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Mnassa laid a wreath on behalf of the Lebanese government at the monument dedicated to UNIFIL casualties. Outgoing Major General Lázaro addressed the gathering, reflecting on UNIFIL's mission and its support for the Lebanese Army south of the Litani River. He emphasized the force's role in implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and achieving stability, underscoring the continued necessity of UNIFIL's presence. The new commander, Major General Abagnara, then spoke, extending his gratitude to his predecessor for his wise leadership. "We must strengthen stability and work towards the implementation of international Resolution 1701," he stated. "For this reason, we must continue to enhance stability and international coordination and translate dialogue into concrete action. Recognizing the importance of stability is not enough; we must work tirelessly to build it day by day." He added, "We gather at a time of significant transformations in the operational and political landscape. Today's ceremony goes beyond a mere formal transfer of command; it reaffirms UNIFIL's vital role as a force for stability after the renewed hostilities."
