Malaysia is ready to dispatch a peacekeeping mission to Lebanon as soon
the United Nations (UN) gives the green light, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi
said Thursday.
The government is still awaiting the UN's decision on whether to enlarge the
UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Badawi told reporters in Kuantan, capital
of Pahang state.
"The UNIFIL which has headed south of Lebanon is too small as the team had
been reduced several years ago," Badawi was quoted assaying by the Bernama news
agency.
He said the Lebanese government has agreed to increase the number of troops
in the UNIFIL.
Badawi reiterated Malaysia's stand on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from
Lebanon and its call for an unconditional immediate ceasefire.
Abdullah said he had contacted UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to express
Malaysia's position on the Middle East crisis.
On Wednesday, Malaysian Defense Forces Chief Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor said he is
waiting for a directive from the government to send some 890 soldiers to join
the UNIFIL.
