(23 May 2000) English/Nat
XFA
With the Israeli army pulling out from its former security zone in southern Lebanon and its S-L-A allies either fleeing or surrendering the role of the United Nations force in the region may become increasingly important.
U-N forces have been in south Lebanon for over 20 years.
The U-N Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, was set up in 1978 to monitor and ensure an Israeli withdrawal which is only happening now.
U-N troops, like these French soldiers, have been here since then, occasionally getting caught up in the cross fire between Israel and the S-L-A on one side and Muslim guerilla groups on the other.
UNIFIL is supposed to be monitoring the withdrawal, and helping the Lebanese government regain control here.
On Tuesday the U-N Secretary General, Kofi Annan said he wants the force to be expanded, to help it fulfill its new role.
Later the UNIFIL spokesman in Lebanon said Annan's comments did not mean extra troops would be arriving soon.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The Secretary-General said he needs more troops for UNIFIL, he didn't say they are coming. There is a condition involved in that. First of all each side has to fully withdraw from Lebanon and then the U-N has to verify their withdrawal. Only then can he make a proposal but he wants to, he's decided to send troops here but he needs the decision of the Lebanese government that they agree that each side has left Lebanon. Before that happens there cannot be official action here. But the Secretary-General says 'we need troops' and he will send troops, so that's a very important decision but there is no calender yet."
SUPER CAPTION: Timor Goksal, UNIFIL spokesman
Annan also warned that he may have to recommend the force's withdrawal if the situation in south Lebanon continues to deteriorate.
Hezbollah supporters have been seizing arms, including tanks, left behind by the retreating S-L-A forces, adding to the danger in an already unstable region.
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