Latest news with #DiodatoAbagnara


LBCI
4 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Hasbaiyya Governor meets new UNIFIL chief to discuss security and development in South Lebanon
Hasbaiyya District Governor Rawad Salloum received UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Lt. Gen. Diodato Abagnara, accompanied by Chief of Staff Coordinator Abbas Awaleh, during an introductory visit marking Abagnara's assumption of his new role as commander of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon. The meeting covered security conditions in the district and discussed development projects that UNIFIL plans to implement in villages and towns within its area of operations. Lt. Gen. Abagnara expressed solidarity with southern residents and voiced regret over the ongoing military operations in the south, expressing hope for a swift and permanent cease-fire to achieve peace and security along the southern border. He also thanked Governor Salloum for his cooperation and positive engagement with both the Spanish and Indian contingents, praising his role in following up on projects implemented by local authorities in cooperation with international donors. For his part, Salloum thanked the UNIFIL chief for his visit, wishing him success in his new mission, and commended UNIFIL's humanitarian, development, and service-oriented work. He stressed the importance of continued full coordination between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL regarding the evolving security situation along the entire southern border.


Ya Libnan
5 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
UNIFIL chief: The Army deployed in 126 permanent position in south Lebanon
File photo: UNIFIL Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara UNIFIL Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara announced that 'the Lebanese Army has deployed in more than 120 permanent positions in the south of the country,' noting that 'enhancing their capabilities through joint activities and training exercises is vital not only for us, but also for the international community to maintain stability.' In this context, he emphasized that 'supporting the army in its full deployment in the south will be essential to extending state authority, and this requires the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the areas where they are currently present.'


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.