Italian PM starts Lebanon visit

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti arrived in Beirut Saturday for talks with Lebanese officials and to inspect his country\'s military contingent which currently commands the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. Monti will hold talks with his Lebanese counterpart Naqib Mikati, President Michel Suleiman and parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, according to a report of DPA. During his six-hour visit, the Italian premier will head to southern Lebanon and meet with Italian General Paola Serra, who heads the command of the United Nations Interim Forces in Southern Lebanon (UNIFIL). He is also due to inspect his country\'s troops in the area of Chamaa, in southern Lebanon. Monti is also scheduled to meet on Sunday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.