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Germany to Take Part in UN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon

Berlin: Chancellor Merkel, with Foreign Minister Steinmeier, right, and Defense Minister Jung, addresses the media after the cabinet meeting on September 13. BPA/Bergmann

Germany will take part in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon with up to 2,400 armed forces. The Navy will take over the leadership of the naval patrol of the Lebanese borders in the framework of the UNIFIL Mission of the United Nations.

After the decision by the cabinet to deploy German troops, Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke about the historic dimension of the assignment. The decision was made with a view to Germany’s special responsibility for Israel’s right to exist. The goal is “to achieve a sustainable overall solution for this region.”

German requirements have been fulfilled
The Chancellor emphasized that German requirements for the mission have been fulfilled: “We have achieved that there will be a robust mandate and that Lebanon has also agreed to that.” The mandate is designed to prevent weapons smuggling by sea, Merkel explained. The region of deployment stretches from the coastline to 50 miles out to sea.

The basis for the deployment is UN Resolution 1701. It’s aim is that the ceasefire get a sustainable foundation and that Lebanon be able to fully exercise its national sovereignty. The necessary approval by the German Bundestag will be requested next week.

Political initiative necessary
The military components, however, must be complemented by political initiatives. Merkel underscored, “a window of political opportunities” has been opened a little bit wider. The Federal Government is determined to use this opportunity. Germany has a very special interest in stability and peace in this region, the Chancellor stated.

In the political process, all efforts should be focused on solving the conflicts in the region. The forming of a government of national unity in Palestine is a point of hope for the achievement of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, Merkel said.

In this context, the Middle East Quartet could fulfill a mission with clear European accountability, she added.

Cut off weapons smuggling
The main part of the contribution will be naval based and comprise the monitoring of the Lebanese coastal area. It will be supplemented by transport components. The deployment of the Bundeswehr is set to end on August 31, 2007.

The deployment will take place within the total territorial waters of Lebanon. It also includes, in case necessary, boarding and searching a suspect vessel against resistance. This robust mandate will be implemented in close cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese government.

German responsibilities in the mission
In the framework of UNIFIL, the Bundeswehr will have the following duties in particular:

Leading the maritime operation and providing the according Lead Nation capabilities,
Reconnaissance and surveillance of the coastal area within the Area of Maritime Operations (AMO) determined by the UN.
Naval safeguarding of the Lebanese coast,
Control of maritime traffic within the AMO, including the inspection of cargo and people on vessels, according to the rules of engagement determined by the UN,
Rerouting of ships in suspicious cases,
Maritime sealing-off operations within the AMO,
Supporting humanitarian assistance,
Air transport to and within the area of deployment,
Security for itself and emergency assistance,
Technical equipping assistance, military consultation and training assistance for Lebanese forces.

Deployment of armed forces
A maximum of 2,400 armed forces are planned for the participation of the Bundeswehr in Operation UNIFIL. The Navy will keep a maximum 1,500 forces onboard ships and boats ready for participation in UNIFIL. The probably smaller actual strength of the deployment will be determined mainly by the course of the still pending troop contributors conferences on the maritime portion of UNIFIL.

The Air Force will keep about 100 forces ready for air transport.

A contingent of about 400 forces is planned to carry out leadership and logistic duties, which are to be filled within national responsibility.

A contingent of about 100 soldiers is planned to consult the Lebanese forces and to provide training support, if needed.

For the routine replacement of units, a planned reserve of 300 soldiers has been included.

September 13, 2006

Government & Politics