Italian troops start landing in south Lebanon
They are the first 800 soldiers of the multi-national UN force. Islamic countries are being urged to send troops to avoid a solely "European" and "western" UNIFIL force.
Tyre (AsiaNews/Agencies) This morning, Italian troops of UNIFIL-Plus started landing on two beaches in Tyre to monitor and maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The landing of 880 soldiers from five ships moored along the southern Lebanese port is expected to take all day. Another 200 Italian soldiers should reach Beirut tomorrow. From all the countries that have accepted to participate in the UN mission, Italy has committed itself to deploying the largest contingent of 3,000 men. France first opted to send 250 troops and later decided to deploy 2,000. The Spanish government has authorized the dispatch of 1000 soldiers but awaits parliamentary approval. The European Union will contribute 6,900 of the required 15,000-strong peace force in south Lebanon. Resolution 1701 of the UN stipulates that 15,000 troops should flank the same number of soldiers from the Lebanese army. Although Israel objected to having soldiers from countries without diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv, Indonesia has decided to send 1000 troops to south Lebanon. Other Islamic countries like Bangladesh and Malaysia have offered to contribute.
Despite strong domestic opposition, the Turkish government has called on its parliament to vote about a resolution to send troops to Lebanon. Many Turks fear their troops will end up clashing with their fellow Shiites, the Hezbollah. Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has assured the people that Turkish soldiers will not have the task of disarming Shiite militias.
Europe is pushing for participation of Islamic troops on the UN force to avoid giving the impression that the multi-national force is wholly Western.
.png)
17/08/2006
