Naqoura: Major General Diodato Abagnara of Italy today assumed command of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), taking over from Lieutenant General Aroldo L¡zaro of Spain, during a special ceremony held at the Mission’s headquarters in Naqoura, south Lebanon.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Maj. Gen. Abagnara emphasized the significance of achieving lasting stability along the Blue Line while acknowledging the ‘real challenges’ that lie ahead. He highlighted the collaborative efforts with local peace workers, trusted partners, and support from the United Nations family and the international community.
Maj. Gen. Abagnara brings with him a wealth of experience, having served as UNIFIL’s Sector West Commander from 2018 to 2019. More recently, he was the Commander and Chair of the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon (MTC4L), where he coordinated multinational support to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Looking forward, he remarked that UNIFIL is at a ‘pivotal moment’ and engaged in a transformation to enhance its effectiveness, efficiency, and credibility.
Lt. Gen. L¡zaro’s leadership, which began on 28 February 2022, was characterized by challenges, including managing regional tensions. He focused on containing escalation, reinforcing stability, and creating conditions for a durable political solution along the Blue Line. He emphasized the necessity of continued international unity and support to sustain peacekeeping efforts.
The ceremony was attended by senior representatives of the Government of Lebanon, including Minister of National Defense Michel Menassa, Maj. Gen. Hassan Audi of the Lebanese Army, and Member of Parliament Dr. Ashraf Baidun, along with religious leaders, governors, qaemaqams, and mayors. High-level delegations from Italy and Spain were also present, led by Italy’s Chief of Defence Staff General Luciano Portolano and the Joint Operations Commander of the Spanish Army, Lieutenant General Antonio Agero Martnez.