Free Headline Alerts     
Worldwide Web WorldTribune.com

  breaking... 


Thursday, May 22, 2008

UN forces stand down following Iran-backed takeover in Lebanon: 'They are tourists . . .'

NICOSIA — The United Nations peace-keeping force in Lebanon has maintained a quieter-than-usual presence since the Hizbullah takeover.

Lebanese sources said UNIFIL has increased its coordination with the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah in the south of the country. The sources said UNIFIL commanders have stopped patrols near Shi'ite villages and have coordinated checkpoints with local agents of Hizbullah or army officers regarded as close to the militia.

"UNIFIL used to coordinate with the Lebanese Army, but now that is only for show," a Lebanese security source said.

"UNIFIL keeps Hizbullah informed of its movements at practically all times. There is no stomach for any misunderstanding that could lead to a confrontation."

In March 2008, UNIFIL, with a force of 13,500, sought to seize a truckload of Hizbullah weapons south of the Litani River. A Hizbullah squad confronted the UNIFIL soldiers and the truck was allowed through the checkpoint toward the Israeli border.

Also In This Edition

"I will tell you what UNIFIL troops in southern Lebanon are," Shi'ite cleric Ali Al Amin, an opponent of Hizbullah who fled his home from Tyre in May, said. "They are tourists, simple, faint-hearted and ignorant tourists."

In a May 17 interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Al Amin said Hizbullah has intimidated UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army. He said UNIFIL has ignored Hizbullah activity conducted outside peace-keeping bases.

"Everyone knows that the national army is too weak to take Hizbullah on, and UNIFIL forces pretend not to see anything," Al Amin said. "Hizbullah has built its own cable telephone system and is getting re-armed right outside their [UNIFIL] bases. Can they really do nothing to stop it. Can't they report it?"

Israel has complained of UNIFIL's refusal to confront Hizbullah or report on its weapons smuggling in southern Lebanon. On Thursday, Israeli leaders were expected to brief visiting French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner on UNIFIL and the situation in southern Lebanon.

France maintains 2,000 soldiers in the UNIFIL mission. The UNIFIL mandate expires in August 2008.

So far, none of the UNIFIL contingents has acknowledged difficulties with the Hizbullah takeover of Lebanon. Italy and Germany also maintain about 2,500 troops each in the peace-keeping mission.

"Our soldiers are today doing exactly what they were doing a month ago," Italian Defense Minister Ignazio La Russa, who was visiting troops on May 20, said. "I do not see a reason to drastically modify our goals or tasks at the present time."


About Us     l    Contact Us     l    Geostrategy-Direct.com     l    East-Asia-Intel.com
Copyright © 2008    East West Services, Inc.    All rights reserved.