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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Italy Tells UN Its Demands for Specific Rules of Engagement in Lebanon |
| 2006-08-17 |
| (IsraelNN.com) Italy has become the latest country to demand that United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan be more specific about the rules of engagement that will determine the conduct of soldiers who participate in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon. Italian Premier Romano Prodi spoke with Annan by telephone on Wednesday evening, asking him for detailed rules of engagement the international peacekeeping force will be expected to follow in the aftermath of the war between Israel and Hizbullah terrorists. Prodi’s office said Thursday that Italy is willing to provide a “significant” number of soldiers for the peacekeeping effort; he has said he could dispatch up to 3,000 troops, quickly, as long as there is a clear picture of what the force can and can not do. The issue is one that has been raised several times by other potential participating countries in recent days. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #10 Doc', Ya' forgot that UNIFOOL troops will be allowed to return fire on Zionist forces discovered to be defending themselves against unprovoked attacks by the peaceloving, freedom-fighting forces of Hezbollah, said fire to be delivered with live rounds. |
| Posted by: FOTSGreg 2006-08-17 16:47 |
| #9 But they are ready to invade. |
| Posted by: J. D. Lux 2006-08-17 13:35 |
| #8 Malaysians won't recognize Israel. |
| Posted by: Nimble Spemble 2006-08-17 12:11 |
| #7 From today's Rantburg's titles (EU/UN in action) Frenchies start to weasel on deployment Doubts over Belgian role in Lebanon peacekeeping mission Germans argue over Lebanon role Italy Tells UN Its Demands for Specific Rules of Engagement in Lebanon Who's next? |
| Posted by: SwissTex 2006-08-17 11:33 |
| #6 Koffi wouldn't like my rules of engagement. If you get shot at, flatten southern lebanon. |
| Posted by: DarthVader 2006-08-17 10:48 |
| #5 Doctor, are you Fast Eddie's press secretary? |
| Posted by: Nimble Spemble 2006-08-17 10:47 |
| #4 I can just see Kofi's next letter now: Premier Prodi: Thank you for your inquiry into the specifics regarding the Rules of Engagement ("Rules") for the peacekeeping troops that you have generously provided to the United Nations ("UN") for the cease-fire which we so recently were able to place upon the warring parties ("aggressive entities") in the Lebanon area. Please understand that, as the only party which can properly administer the cease-fire agreement between the aggressive entities, the UN must set an example which the aggressive entities can follow. To this end, we are investigating the potential use of rubber bullets and strict non-aggression rules. We do not wish to provoke one of the aggressive entities, namely Hezbollah ("Hezbollah"), for that could lead to a restart of the hostilities with Israel ("the Zionist entity"). The Zionist entity's conduct in the recent conflict was shameful and disproportionate, and we must remember that to Hezbollah any appearance of hostility could provoke a response in kind. We are therefore suggesting that peacekeepers in the region keep their weapons, if they feel they must carry them, holstered and with the safety catches on at all times. We feel that these Rules, in addition to the strict policies of neutrality and fairness and equality which are accorded to both sides in any conflict, will assist in keeping the region stable as it recovers from the recent conflicts. Please let us know when your contribution will be ready to join the main UN force. Thank you for your interest in the Rules. Sincerely, Kofi Annan United Nations Secretary General |
| Posted by: The Doctor 2006-08-17 10:42 |
| #3 The real issue is who will be shooting at who once combat resumes ? This UN force will be in the middle ? Will they side with Hezbs or Israelis ? Either way, they're going to take a lot of losses. The only way they can survive is to confront Hezbs right away after arrival. This won't happen due to Leb(Syrian) army presence. |
| Posted by: SOP35/Rat 2006-08-17 10:41 |
| #2 Hmmmm... this may require many luncheons and a few elegant dinners to resolve. Oh, and a conference at a posh resort too. I can't believe I almost forgot that one! |
| Posted by: Kofi 2006-08-17 10:05 |
| #1 Don't expect Kofi to let them defend themselves or too aggressively disarm Hizb'allah. This "ceasefire" is looking more and more doomed by the second. |
| Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom 2006-08-17 09:43 |