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30 nations mulling role in Leb int'l force
Despite complications, at least 15 countries have expressed a willingness to contribute troops to an international stabilization force in southern Lebanon if one is formed after a cease-fire and under a clear UN mandate. At least nine other nations say they're ready to provide support; six others remain undecided about their roles. The breakdown, with details where available: Deploy troops: AUSTRALIA - "very limited" contingent BRAZIL - no specifics CHILE - no specifics FRANCE - no more than 5,000 troops GHANA - no specifics INDONESIA - 1 battalion (about 800 troops) ITALY - no specifics LITHUANIA - no specifics MALAYSIA - 1,000 troops NIGERIA - no specifics NORWAY - 1 squadron of 4 missile torpedo boats, nearly 100 marines PORTUGAL - no specifics ROMANIA - no specifics SPAIN - no specifics TURKEY - "significant" contribution likely; no specifics Provide support: BRITAIN - possible technical assistance CYPRUS _ transport humanitarian aid; possible staging point for forces CZECH REPUBLIC - humanitarian aid, firefighting equipment DENMARK - navy ship possible GREECE - help transport aid JAPAN - humanitarian aid POLAND - keep 200 U.N. peacekeepers already in Lebanon SLOVAKIA - doctors, humanitarian aid UNITED STATES - train and equip Lebanese army Undecided: FINLAND GERMANY PAKISTAN RUSSIA SLOVENIA SWEDEN If it ever happens and I have my doubts, it looks like France, Turkey + Indonesia/Malaysia, with a few token forces from elsewhere. And if they do try and disarm Hizbollocks, they will take a lot of causalties and I predict will be withdrawn by the end of the year. Another bloody clusterf**k brought to you by the UN. Posted by: phil_b 2006-08-08 |
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