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Last month of operation for the 11th SAF Contingent in peace operation UNIFIL in Lebanon

After completing their leave, members of the 11th Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) Contingent returned to Lebanon and continue to perform their tasks within the UNIFIL peace operation. The scope and intensity of the tasks remain unchanged, but, in addition to regular reconnaissance tasks within the area of responsibility of UNIFIL Sector West, contingent members perform additional tasks in more security demanding areas of operation and within Command HQ, Sector West.

According to Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Janez Pungaršek, all contingent members feel well and are preparing to welcome the new Slovenian Contingent, which is to arrive to the area of operations in the end of May.

In the previous days, Slovenian Contingent members received a visit by Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovenia to Lebanon, Raymond C. El-Hachem, who together with Lieutenant Colonel Pungaršek used the opportunity to award the most deserving members of the Italian Armed Forces with plaques of the SAF Force Command. With their work and correct and professional attitude towards members of the Slovenian Armed Forces, those receiving the awards have importantly contributed to the successful implementation of tasks by members of the Slovenian Contingent.

Brigadier General Carlo Lamanni has been awarded a silver plaque of the SAF Force Command from the hands of Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovenia to Lebanon, while bronze plaques were awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Pasqual Junior Lazzarini, Captain Massimiliano di Silvestre and NCO Vincenz Pagliuci by Lieutenant Colonel Pungaršek.

In his address to Slovenian Armed Forces members, the Honorary Consul emphasised that the Slovenian Armed Forces with its 11th contingent was perhaps not recognisable by its size but rather by its expertise and professional work, as well as by the respectful attitude towards the local population.

According to the decision of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovenian Armed Forces have participated in the peace mission in Lebanon since December 2006. Their task is to execute control over the entire area of responsibility in line with the Security Council Resolution 1701, including the control of the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel, and all entry points into the southern part of Lebanon. SAF members also assist the Lebanese Armed Forces in the resolution of instabilities in the country.

Photo: SVNKON 11 UNIFIL