President Halonen sees prospects for success in Finland's planned peacekeeping mission

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The President of the Republic, Tarja Halonen, says she understands the public's concern over the possible risks linked to the planned peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. "These are extremely demanding and difficult tasks", she agrees.
      Halonen nevertheless feels optimistic with regard to success in the EU-led United Nations peacekeeping operation.
      "Within the EU, it has been agreed that a clear objective is needed, together with desire for peace and an adequate number of competent personnel. These elements form the core of the safest possible combination", Halonen explains.
      "I am not unrealistically optimistic, but the indications are not bad now that the international community seems to be able to agree on the new make-up of the continued peacekeeping operation, in which not only the Lebanese government but also Hezbollah are included. I hope that the Israeli side will also warm to this development."
     
Halonen spoke during her visit to the Pori Brigade in Säkylä on Monday. She particularly wanted to acquaint herself with the training and the equipment of the infantry detachment, the purpose of which is to safeguard the operation of Finland's own peacekeeping troops.
      This unit, however, is not on its way to Lebanon at this stage.
     
For international peacekeeping training purposes, there is a separate crisis management forces training centre, Camp Mauri, where everyday life during peacekeeping missions is simulated with watch duties and all.
      Half of the infantrymen interviewed by President Halonen reported that they already had previous peacekeeping experience from Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Eritrea.
     
According to Halonen, it is important that also in the renewed make-up of the EU crisis management troops the reputation and good spirits of the Finnish peacekeepers are sustained.
      "I am pleased with the ever-improving training and equipment. In these tasks every man and woman representing a northern democratic society give their full input, combining military competence with strong civil professionalism", said Halonen.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Foreign Affairs Committee endorses sending peacekeepers to Lebanon (23.8.2006)
  Finland prepares to send engineer company to Lebanon (21.8.2006)

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