Italy’s defense chief, General Claudio Graziano, who has previously served as the commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, has expressed commitment to UNIFIL during a visit to Beirut. Graziano met on Friday with Lebanese President Michel Aoun at Baabda Palace. Discussions focused on the efforts exerted by Aoun to organize a conference for the support of Lebanese Armed Forces in Rome. “There is full coordination with the Italian foreign ministry to hold a successful conference,” Graziano said following the talks. Later Graziano met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri at the Center House. Following the meeting, Graziano said: “I confirmed the Italian Armed Forces commitment to UNIFIL mission, a commitment that started in 1978 and that still represents a priority for our country.” “In the past 11 years, we have consistently maintained a pivotal role in UNIFIL, contributing to the stabilization of the area" (south Lebanon). “With this spirit and looking ahead, Italy is working on the organization of the second Rome conference that will be held next February with the aim of supporting the Lebanese security forces,” the general added. Graziano also met with Army chief Gen. Joseph Aoun, lauding the military and security forces that are “making sacrifices to fight terrorism and protect Lebanon.”