Nations discuss use of peacekeeping force
UNITED NATIONS -- Nearly 50 countries that could contribute the 13,000 new troops needed to expand the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon met yesterday amid concern over the ground rules and firepower the soldiers could use.
Bangladesh pledged up to 2,000 troops and France offered 200, a disappointment to some who expected more from the country likely to lead the force.
In an opening speech, Deputy Secretary General Mark Malloch Brown said at least 3,500 troops are needed to deploy within 10 days to expand the 2,000-strong UN force trying to help maintain an uneasy truce between Israel and Hezbollah militants.
``Every moment we delay is a moment of risk that the fighting could reerupt," he said.
Malloch Brown told diplomats from the 49 countries invited to the meeting that details on how the expanded force will operate and the rules of engagement will make clear that ``this will be a strong, robust force, equipped and authorized to take all necessary action in its key tasks."
The UN resolution that led to Monday's cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah after a 34-day war authorized up to 15,000 UN peacekeepers to help 15,000 Lebanese troops extend their authority throughout south Lebanon, which Hezbollah controls, as Israeli troops withdraw.
The aim is to create a buffer zone free of Hezbollah fighters between the Litani River and the UN-drawn border, about 18 miles to the south.
Malloch Brown said the draft rules of engagement call for the use of force to prevent hostile activities in the buffer zone and to resist attempts to prevent the UN force, known as UNIFIL, from discharging its duties.
The rules also allow UNIFIL to use force in assisting the Lebanese government if asked to secure its borders to prevent foreign forces, weapons, and ammunition from entering the country, he said. 