NEWS

Prime Minister Pahor visits the Slovenian Armed Forces contingent in Lebanon

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, accompanied by the Minister of Defence, Dr Ljubica Jelušič, today visited the Slovenian Armed Forces contingent in Lebanon, where he met with Slovenian soldiers participating in the UNIFIL operation in Lebanon. During his visit, Prime Minister Pahor also met with the Deputy Force Commander of the UNIFIL, Brigadier General Santi Bonfanti, who outlined the operations in Sector West-HQ, Shama, where the members of the Slovenian Armed Forces are engaged.

  

UNIFIL mandate is defined by Security Council Resolution 1701 and includes the monitoring of the cessation of hostilities between Lebanese and Israeli troops, monitoring of Lebanese territory south of the Litani river and cooperation with Lebanese security forces mandated to disarm all armed groups and individuals on the territory under UNFIL control. Brigadier General Bonfanti expressed his full satisfaction and commended Slovenian soldiers on their attitude and participation in the operation.
  
Later in the visit, Prime Minister Pahor met with Slovenian soldiers and delivered a brief addressed on the occasion of the holiday. Prime Minister Pahor said that his visit conveys the message to the members of Slovenian Armed Forces in Lebanon and in every mission abroad on how proud we are of them for being the ambassadors of peace in crisis areas in the world. Their work is highly appreciated for the dedication and professionalism in fulfilling their duties.  "I wish to stress that we are encouraging and supporting them in their endeavours and that we are particularly concerned about their safety. We discuss this issue at every Government's session," stressed Prime Minister Pahor. The members of the Slovenian Armed Forces deployed to missions abroad are separated from their families and lead a very hard, stringent and dangerous life, and, therefore, Prime Minister Pahor believes that it is very important to pay a visit to Slovenian soldiers and inquire them about the circumstances and proposals for improving their living conditions and operations. At the close of his address, Prime Minister Pahor wished all soldiers a safe return home. He stressed that "this is not a wish but a command."
  
Prior to his departure, members of the SAF contingent showed Prime Minister Pahor the Slovenian part of the military base in Shama; Prime Minister Pahor gave them symbolic Christmas presents.