Monti in Beirut for Talks with Top Officials

Prime Minister Najib Miqati held talks with his Italian counterpart Mario Monti who arrived in Beirut on a one-day visit on Saturday during which he will also meet with UNIFIL’s Italian contingent.

“We appreciate Italy’s continuous support for Lebanon in the international community and stability in the South,” Miqati said during a joint press conference with his Italian counterpart.

For his part, Monti praised Lebanon saying: “Lebanon is a valuable model for coexistence between religions and different cultures.”

He reiterated his countries commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and unity.

Monti hailed the bilateral ties between Italy and Lebanon, stressing on the importance of boosting the economic relations.

He ruled out any intention by his country to reduce the number of Italian peacekeepers in UNIFIL.

Monti urged the Lebanese cabinet to prevent further attacks on the peacekeeping force.

Italy currently has more than 1,100 military personnel serving in UNIFIL and also provides four helicopters for air support to the Mission.

Concerning the situation in Syria, the two agreed on their support to U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan’s peace plan in Syria.

Miqati said that Lebanon backs Annan’s plan to resolve the crisis in Syria, while Monti stressed the importance of ceasing fire in the country.

“It is time to stop the bloodshed in Syria through a peaceful solution,” Miqati said.

Monti praised the Lebanese stance regarding Syria, saying: “We have to admit that the political parties in Lebanon are acting responsibly in order to preserve Lebanon from any negative repercussions caused by the Syrian crisis.”

The Italian PM also held talks with President Michel Suleiman at the Baabda Palace and is expected to meet later with Speaker Nabih Berri.

Monti later visited his country’s troops deployed with the UNIFIL.

He met with Head of the Mission and Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Paolo Serra, UNIFIL Sector West Commander Brig.-Gen. Carlo Lamanna, and Italian troops serving in the peacekeeping force.

“Italy is a leading contributor to UNIFIL. Prime Minister Monti’s visit is yet another proof of the continued commitment of Italy and the international community as a whole to UNIFIL’s mission. This is very much appreciated,” Serra said.

He welcomed the Italian PM at UNIFIL’s Sector West headquarters at Shamaa in southern Lebanon.

Serra stressed to Monti that the UNIFIL was committed to the implementation of its mandate under U.N. Security Council resolution 1701.

UNIFIL has a total of about 12,000 military personnel, including about 1,000 in the Maritime Task Force, from 37 countries.