Peacekeepers to Lebanon

The Middle East ceasefire continued to hold as thousands of peacekeepers readied for the troubled region. Both Lebanon and Israel call the UN-brokered truce a victory.

UN resolution 1701, heralding the ceasefire, said the Lebanese army would deploy 15,000 troops to the south of the country.  They will police the border alongside a UN peacekeeping force. This will be based on a UNIFIL detachment currently in the area but will have a stronger mandate and more soldiers at its disposal. France is expected to take a leading role in providing troops and equipment.