UNIFIL Head Commends Patriarch’s Role

UNIFIL’s Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col commended the role played by Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi in “carrying a message of peace and stability,” a press release said.

Del Col has met with al-Rahi in Bkirki on Thursday.

During the meeting, Del Col commended the “crucial role played by the Cardinal in carrying a message of peace and stability – which is essential to implementing UNIFIL’s mandate.”

He also thanked Rahi for his continuous and important support to UNIFIL’s work in south Lebanon.

“I expressed gratitude for the Cardinal’s valuable efforts and vital role in fostering dialogue and building bridges of communication with various religious groups,” said Del Col after the meeting. “This has had a pronounced impact on UNIFIL’s area of operations.”

Noting that religious values deserve the highest respect and consideration, Del Col expressed his keenness to continuously engage with various religious leaders in a dialogue based on mutual respect and trust. Today’s meeting was one of a string of visits with religious leaders in south Lebanon and other parts of the country.