SHAMEA, Lebanon: An exhibition featuring handicrafts and local delicacies created by women’s organizations in southern Lebanon was launched Friday at the headquarters of the U.N. Interim Forces in Lebanon’s Italian contingent.

The head of UNIFIL’s western sector, Italian Gen. Gaetano Zauner, opened the event in which 13 charitable women’s organizations from Tyre and Bint Jbeil are taking part.

This is the second time such an exhibition has opened after a similar event proved successful in March.

This Italian initiative is one of the activities covered by the Italian Office for Civil-Military Cooperation, in cooperation with UNIFIL’s Office for Civil Affairs.

Local residents and UNIFIL troops working in the surrounding area can visit the exhibition that is open for several days.

Speaking at the launch of the exhibition, Zauner said: “This event takes into consideration the requirements of [U.N. Security Council] Resolution 1701 in parallel with practical activities carried out by UNIFIL, in close cooperation with the Lebanese Army and which aim at preserving security.

“This Civilian-Military Cooperation is a major factor contributing to the successful implementation of U.N. resolutions,” he said.

The benefits of such events were myriad, Zauner added. “There is no doubt that it is a good initiative as it not only brings new clients to support women’s organizations, but it also boosts interactions between traditions of southern Lebanon and the various of cultures of UNIFIL troops.”

Women’s organizations displayed a wide variety of handicrafts and products at the fair, including food items.

The Italian Office for Civil-Military Cooperation carries out various activities in southern Lebanon, including environmental initiatives, infrastructure projects, health care implementation among others.

Of the 38 countries currently contributing troops to UNIFIL, Italy represents the second largest after Indonesia.