Tuomioja: EU countries prepare for Lebanon peacekeeping force

Foreign Minister sees Lebanon as test of EU credibility

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Preparations for a peacekeeping force in South Lebanon are already being made in several European Union member states, said Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja at a press conference in Helsinki on Monday.
      "Many EU countries have made preparations for this together with the UN Peacekeeping Section", Tuomioja said, without specifying the countries in question. He says that Finland’s possible participation would be decided separately.
      France, Italy, Greece, and membership candidate Turkey have announced their willingness to take part in a Lebanese peacekeeping operation.
      The deployment of a peacekeeping force under a UN mandate appeared to be something of a distant prospect on Monday, as violence between Israel and Hezbollah continued. Tuomioja said that the force could be assembled quickly, if necessary.
      "If decisions are made, I do not believe that getting the first forces into the area would take nearly as long as in previous cases, but I will not give any specific deadlines."
     
Tuomioja is attending a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels today. The gathering was convened by Finland, which is the holder of the rotating EU Presidency.
      One of the aims of the meeting is to send the message that the EU wants the UN Security Council to pass a resolution demanding a rapid cease fire for Lebanon. A cease fire is seen as the first basic precondition for considering sending an international force to Lebanon.
      As Tuomioja sees it, the EU has a strong role in finding a solution to the Mideast crisis.
      "Especially in Lebanon, but also in a wider area the EU is considered the only, or at least the most credible operator. This is a kind of test of whether or not the EU is capable of operating and wielding an influence."
      Questioning the ability of the EU to operate is a regular feature of international crises. Tuomioja nevertheless feels that a common tune can be found.
      "It appears to be clear to all [member states] that if the EU is not capable of action in this matter, we can bid farewell to EU influence for a long time to come."


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Jerusalem memorial ceremony for four UN observers killed in Israeli bombing (31.7.2006)

Helsingin Sanomat