Russia sends independent force to Lebanon
JPost.com Staff, THE JERUSALEM POST Oct. 27, 2006
Russia is sending a peacekeeping force to Lebanon, which will operate independently of the UNIFIL force currently stationed in the region, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said on Friday.
Ivanov said that the Russian force would be sent in coordination with the Lebanese government.
Russia's Defense Minister claimed that the UNIFIL troops did not the ability to disarm Hizbullah as was demanded by UN Security Council resolution 1701.
Ivanov added that more than 300 Engineering Corp troops, who are currently working in Lebanon to rebuild bridges destroyed in IAF airstrikes, would return to Russia within six weeks.
Israel Radio reported that Indonesia rejected for the fourth time sending 1,000 troops to join the UNIFIL force, citing logistical reasons.
Russia sends independent force to Lebanon
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