Troops set for November deployment in Lebanon
Malaysiakini
Oct  3, 2006

Malaysia will next month deploy 360 military personnel including members of its army, navy and air force to join the expanded UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, state media said today.

Deputy Defence Minister Zainal Abidin Zin said the peacekeepers were expected to leave on Nov 5 after Malaysia accepted an offer from the UN to join its United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

He said the troops, including a special naval team with expertise in tactical warfare, had been selected for their expertise and previous peacekeeping experience.

"We chose these individuals not merely based on their mental and physical strengths alone, but also their expertise and experience," Zainal Abidin was quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency.

A Malaysian navy ship with defence equipment and logistical support will be sent to Lebanon a week before the peacekeepers, he said.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced earlier this month that the UN had approved the deployment of the Malaysian peacekeepers.

Israel initially objected to countries which do not recognise the Jewish state from taking part in the peacekeeping force.

Malaysia, which strongly criticised Israel's offensive in Lebanon, had offered 1,000 soldiers for the expanded UN force but only received UN approval to send 360 troops.