Defence Minister Crosetto visits Lebanon

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 6 - Defence Minister Guido Crosetto was in Lebanon on Friday to meet Lebanese government officials and visit Italian troops deployed in the UNIFIL mission, which has come under attack during Israel's offensive against Hezbollah in the south of the country.
    "We cannot waste any more time," Crosetto said via X after arriving in Beirut, where he met his Lebanese counterpart Maurice Sleem and the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), General Joseph Aoun.
    "UNIFIL is essential for peace and stability in Lebanon, but it is necessary to update its rules of engagement and allow the mission itself full and concrete freedom to act, in compliance with UN Resolution 1701.
    "Then it will be fundament to be able to ensure financial support, training and equipment for the LAF the Lebanese Armed Forces.
    "The stability of the entire area, not just Lebanon, will only become a concrete reality when the Armed Forces are stronger than Hezbollah and able to defend their country". (ANSA).