Scramble to fortify UN force in Lebanon
The international community was scrambling today to put together a fortified UN peacekeeping force for southern Lebanon, as Israeli forces began a pullout that many fear will create a dangerous vacuum.
Nearly a dozen countries have said they could take part in the strengthened force, but demands for a clearer mandate – including details on when the troops can use firepower – stalled further movement.
Three key players – France, Turkey and Malaysia – were sending their foreign ministers to Beirut this week, while troops in Italy were nearly ready to go, a top general said.
Many possible contributors appeared to be waiting for France to take the lead. France, which has been in the forefront of the diplomatic push, is demanding a more specific mandate for the 15,000-strong force. UN officials and diplomats say that has scared other nations away from making firm troop commitments.
The volatile region needs a robust force fast. A hard-fought – and still fragile – UN ceasefire went into effect on Monday, ending more than a month of violence. On Tuesday, Israeli forces began slowly pulling out from southern Lebanon and made plans to hand over territory.
