MALAYSIAN PEACEKEEPING CONTINGENT EXPECTED TO STAY LONGER IN LEBANON

FROM ZULKIFLI BUJANG

BEIRUT, July 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian peackeeping contingent in Lebanon
(Malcon) is expected to stay longer in the country than anticipated, said
Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said based on information received, the uncertain situation in West Asia
required the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil), which Malcon is a
part of, to continue to remain in Lebanon to preserve peace in the country.

"There are no signs enemies from outside Lebanon will withdraw from
strategic areas they occupied after the last war.

"Even if diplomatic talks lead to eventual peace, the UN needs to be on high
alert at all times and sensitive to developments in and around Lebanon," he told
Malaysian journalists accompanying him on his six-day visit to Lebanon.

Ahmad Zahid arrived in Lebanon on Thursday to provide moral support to the
750 members of Malcon who are part of the Unifil peacekeeping mission as
mandated by UN Resolution 1701.

He also said Unifil needed additional 400 personnel and that Malaysia was
willing to provide the manpower.

He added that the Malcon members were well trained and equipped and that a
prolonged stay would not pose a problem.

He also spoke of the need to station a defence attache in Lebanon and that
he would raise the matter with Najib Tun Razak when the time was
right.

Whilst here, Ahmad Zahid spent time meeting Malcon members and visiting
their facilities in areas under their jurisdiction in southern Lebanon, which
face Israel and Syria.



-- BERNAMA