Italian ambassador stresses on dialogue
Italian Ambassador to Lebanon Gabriel Checchia stressed the need for all Lebanese factions to continue dialogue.
“Italy has trust in the abilities of President Michel Sleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Fouad Siniora to find a solution,” Checchia said, adding that the Doha Agreement is an indivisible package deal. “We are convinced that all those who have agreed on it have the duty to implement it completely in order to reach a solution to the present crisis.”
Checchia said that Italy does not interfere in Lebanon’s domestic affairs because Lebanon is an independent country. He also expressed Italy’s great appreciation to President Sleiman for holding the Spiritual Summit that took place on Tuesday at the presidential palace in Baabda.
Commenting on the threats directed against UNIFIL forces in South Lebanon, Checchia said that the international troops will continue to carry on with their mission. “Italy will continue to support the international force and Lebanese citizens on the technical and financial levels.”
“The Italian government has reiterated that there is no need to change UNIFIL’s rules of engagement. This needs to be decided on at the UN,” Checchia noted.