Israel welcomes European troop commitments to Lebanon

Deutsche Presse Agentur
Published: Friday August 25, 2006

Tel Aviv- Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni Friday welcomed commitments by European nations to strengthen the international peacekeeping force in Lebanon, Israel Radio reported. The real "test" of the force, however, would be on the ground and as it began implementing United Nations Security Council resolution 1701, she told a news conference in Tel Aviv with Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyanis.

Livni also reiterated that Israel would only withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon after the full deployment of the Lebanese Army and the international force in the area.

She spoke after French President Jacques Chirac announced Thursday that France would contribute an additional 1,600 troops to the international force.

Italy has promised to send some 3,000 soldiers, while several other member states have said they will also sent smaller numbers of troops. Bakoyanis told Livni Greece would also contribute.

© 2006 DPA - Deutsche Presse-Agenteur