The Lebanese ambassador to Ankara yesterday welcomed Turkey's possible contribution to an international peacekeeping force that may be deployed as part of an Israeli-Lebanese cease-fire plan, saying, "We believe Ankara would be successful in such a mission." Ambassador Georges Siam made the remarks ahead of Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's visit to Rome today for a key meeting on Middle East peace. Gul will participate in the conference on Wednesday at which an Israeli-Lebanese cease-fire, the deployment of an international peace force and humanitarian aid will be the main topics. Turkish sources say Ankara is ready to take responsibility but also stress that whether Turkey can lead or join this force will be clearer following discussions in Rome. | I'd put them in charge, they put a lot of value on Turkish honor. |
During a visit by Arab ambassadors and other high-level diplomats to the Lebanese Embassy yesterday, Ambassador Siam expressed his country's willingness to see Turkey in such a force. "As of now there's no internationally agreed on plan for the formation of a force to be sent to Lebanon," he said. "However such a plan, including the modality of the establishment of such forces, could be made at the Rome conference. Why and how it will be deployed will also depend on the agreement among the parties at the Rome meeting."
Ambassadors and diplomats of Arab countries, including Tunisia, Palestine, Jordan, Yemen, Iraq, Egypt, Oman, Libya, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Algeria, yesterday conveyed their support for and solidarity with Lebanon during a visit to the Lebanese ambassador at his residence. Delivering a speech at the meeting on behalf of Arab countries, Tunisian Ambassador to Ankara Mohammed Lessir expressed their countries' anger, condemnation and sorrow over developments in Lebanon and lambasted the international community's silence in the wake of the humanitarian tragedy as a result of Israel's attacks.
Siam, for his part, thanked the Arab countries and Turkey for their support for the Lebanese people and government and for the humanitarian assistance given to the region. Calling for an immediate cease-fire and an end to the "inhuman attacks," Siam said, "Peace and stability can't be attained through brutal use of force." Underlining the need to end violence in the region for the Lebanese government to regain sovereignty over its territory, Siam also urged the international community to contribute to humanitarian aid that will be given to his country.
Asked whether the international force planned for the region could contribute to efforts to disarm Hezbollah, the Lebanese ambassador stressed that the weapons of the Lebanese government are the only legitimate weapons in the country. "There won't be any other forces or weapons after the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and the release of the abductees," he added. | That's the only way it would work. |
Turkish officials on Monday expressed Ankara' readiness to take responsibility but also stressed that whether Turkey could lead or join such a force would become clearer following discussions in Rome. Turkey has to date made significant contributions to United Nations- and NATO-led peace keeping operations in Kosovo, Bosnia, Somalia and Afghanistan.
Turkish sources said yesterday that for the country to make a decision the details of the Lebanese mission should be made clearer. Pointing out that as to whether the force would be charged with disarming Hezbollah or not hasn't been determined yet, sources expressed Turkey's reservations about such a mission since this might push a peacekeeping force into an armed conflict with the Hezbollah militant group. | It would, and I don't think Hezbollah would like the results |
Another reservation held by Turkey -- a country with good relations with both Lebanon and Israel -- is that a participation in an international force could be understood by either side as a move that could harm relations. | If Turkey acted as an honest broker, and kept the peace it could only help their standing |
Amid debates over Turkish participation in such an international force, Foreign Minister Gul will leave Turkey today to participate in the conference in which Italy and the U.S. are both taking the lead at a foreign ministerial-level meeting, which will also bring scores of dignitaries to Rome to focus on reaching an agreement on the political foundation of a cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah militia.
"There are three key topics at the meeting hosted by Italy: Humanitarian aid; the possible deployment of an international force to Lebanon; and, of course, an Israeli-Lebanese cease-fire," Italian Ambassador to Turkey Carlo Marsili told The New Anatolian on Sunday. A final declaration is expected to be made at the end of the half-day conference on Wednesday at the Italian Foreign Ministry, he added. The declaration may claer the fog over the modalities of a possible peace force, the planning of which is in the early stages.
According to an article published in the Washington Post, officials said they anticipate it will include some 10,000 to 20,000 troops led by a contingent from France or Turkey. In addition to Turkey and France, nations that might send military units include Italy, Brazil, Pakistan, India, and Germany, officials in Washington and at the UN said, according to the daily. | This just might work. Turkey having a common border with Hezbollah's patrons, Syria and Iran, could also help. |
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