Malaysia and Indonesia concerned about the security of UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon
Kuala Lumpur calls on the UN to review the peacekeeping mission, concerned for its 500 troops (Malbatt Battalion) on the ground. Meanwhile, patrols have been suspended. Jakarta calls for a thorough investigation into the deaths of three soldiers in March. A joint statement with 73 signatories was submitted to the Security Council.
Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) – Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said that the deteriorating situation in Lebanon is no longer conducive to peacekeeping operations by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), raising concerns over the safety of the 500-strong Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-13, stationed in the south of the country.
“Malbatt is a peacekeeping force, but there is now a war taking place,” the minister told reporters today. “In such circumstances, we want to request the UN to review the terms or the duration of the mission, as we do not want our peacekeeping personnel to be exposed to danger or be injured.”
Mohamad, who is the MP for Rembau, noted that the current mission is scheduled to end at the close of the year. However, Malaysia cannot unilaterally withdraw its troops as the deployment falls under a UN mandate.
Malaysia has instructed its permanent representative to the United Nations to engage with Secretary-General António Guterres and coordinate with other troop-contributing countries to prepare a memorandum urging a reassessment of the mission.
As a precautionary measure, the Malaysian cabinet directed the Defence Ministry to suspend patrol operations by Malbatt personnel, ordering them to remain at base to ensure their safety.
In a related development, Mohamad said Malaysia is closely monitoring the movement of six Malaysian oil tankers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to regional tensions.
Malaysia’s concerns over the safety of its troops come against the backdrop of a distinguished history in international peacekeeping. The country’s involvement began in 1960 with the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC), marking its first contribution to global peace under the UN flag.
Malaysia’s presence in Lebanon dates back to 2007, when it joined UNIFIL following the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Malaysian peacekeepers have played a vital role in maintaining stability, providing humanitarian assistance, rebuilding infrastructure, and fostering goodwill with local communities.
Kuala Lumpur’s call for a review of the UNIFIL mandate underscores the delicate balance between fulfilling international obligations and ensuring the safety of its troops.
While awaiting the UN’s decision, Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to peace – tempered by prudence and a duty to protect those who serve under its flag.
Meanwhile, Indonesia today called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of three UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, killed in two separate explosions in southern Lebanon at the end of March.
Indonesia presented a joint statement to the United Nations on the safety of peacekeepers, signed by dozens of countries. In it, the signatories urge the UN Security Council to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents in southern Lebanon, which also resulted in injuries to peacekeepers from France, Ghana, Nepal, and Poland.
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry said that 73 countries and UN observer members supported the statement, which was read in New York by Indonesia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Umar Hadi.
“Troop-contributing countries also call for an end to violence in Lebanon, de-escalation of tensions, and encourage all parties to return to the negotiating table to achieve a peaceful settlement," the ministry quoted Umar as saying.
For his part, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto strongly condemned “every heinous act that undermines peace and causes the deaths of our nation's soldiers”.
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03/08/2010
