Gen. Mauro Del Vecchio told the Italian news agency AGI that "gays in the army are unsuitable."

"I respect any legitimate and lawful choice by a person," Del Vecchio said, "but I believe that in a structure like the army, where activities are always carried out together, it is advisable not to declare or reveal one's homosexuality."

The general, who once commanded NATO forces in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo, said he has "encountered homosexual incidents" during his military career and "acted in such a way that these situations would not happen again," AGI reported Wednesday.

He said he relocated those involved.

"In any case, I have never dismissed anybody from the army for being gay," Del Vecchio said.