CAIRO: Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit on Tuesday urged Europe to increase its participation in the deployment of an international peacekeeping force in south Lebanon. We need rapid action for European participation in this force. We are witnessing some level of sluggishness, which will have a negative impact on the ground, Abul-Gheit said after meeting his Portuguese counterpart, Luis Amado. The presence of an international force is not only necessary but also vital if the Israelis are to be stripped of further excuses to prolong their occupation, he added. After spearheading diplomatic efforts that led last week to a UN resolution ending the month-long war between Israel and Hezbollah, France has come under criticism for only volunteering 200 extra troops for the expanded UN force which is to number up to 15,000. Portugal is currently studying the possibility of contributing troops to the Unifil force. Italy has offered up 2,200 soldiers. Speaking in Jordan on the first leg of his three-nation regional tour, Amado said Sunday that the European Union must assume a significant role in the peacekeeping force. On Wednesday, EU members are to meet in Brussels at France s request to clarify what contributions they are planning on making to Unifil. AFP
Egypt bemoans sluggish mobilization of Lebanon UN force
