General Mauro Del Vecchio died, he was commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan

General Mauro Del Vecchio, former Pd senator, has died. This was announced in a note by Senate President Ignazio La Russa. "I express my sincere condolences for the death of General Mauro Del Vecchio, former PD senator in the 16th legislature. As an officer in the Italian Army, Del Vecchio had distinguished himself in numerous international missions and, later, from 2005 to 2006, as General of the Army Corps he was also commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan as part of the Isaf operation. Subsequently, he was appointed head of the Inter-Forces Summit Operations Command. He combined his extraordinary military training with a marked institutional sensitivity. To his family, friends and all those who knew and esteemed him, I send my heartfelt condolences, both my own and those of the Senate of the Republic,' La Russa declared.

"It was with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of General Mauro Del Vecchio, former Senator of the Republic. A figure of the highest human, military and institutional value, he dedicated his entire life to the service of the nation and its institutions. An exemplary officer and respected parliamentarian, he represented the Italian Army, the armed forces and the entire Defence Force with honour in the most complex and delicate theatres, always distinguishing himself for his balance, competence and spirit of service'. Thus the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto. "Commander of the Italian contingent in Kosovo, of the NATO Rapid Reaction Army Corps, of the Isaf mission in Afghanistan and, finally, of the Inter-Forces Operational Command, he has held some of the most prestigious and delicate operational posts with firmness and vision," Crosetto continued. He combined extraordinary professionalism with deep humanity, refined culture and an authentic sense of the State, which made him a reference point for generations of military personnel, for the political world and for the entire country. His leadership, integrity and dedication will remain an example for all of us and for future generations. To his family, colleagues, friends and all those who knew and esteemed him, I send my deepest condolences, on behalf of myself and the entire Defence family. To God, Mauro"..