The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants stated, with great sorrow, that it received the news of the death of Italian General Claudio Graziano, who served as the commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from 2007 to 2010. He was a prominent military leader known for his high professionalism and his attachment to Lebanon, building friendships with various Lebanese leaders, which continued even after his mission in Lebanon ended in 2010. He always made it a point to visit Lebanon and meet with officials to inquire about how he could offer support and assistance to Lebanon through the various high military positions he held, including Chief of Staff of the Italian Army in 2011, Chief of Defense of Italy in 2014, and Chairman of the Military Committee of the European Union in 2018.
The statement highlighted that with his passing, Lebanon has lost a great friend who worked for security, stability, and peacekeeping in southern Lebanon, leaving an unforgettable mark on the constructive relationship with UNIFIL and the Italian Army. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants extended its heartfelt condolences to his family, the Italian government, and the friendly Italian people for this significant loss.
