Parliament extends mandate of Turkish troops in Lebanon

UNIFIL's mandate period is set to end on Aug. 31, 2012, and the renewal of the period for the new term is expected to be decided by the United Nations Security Council by the end of August.

The UNSC adopted Resolution 1701 on Aug. 11, 2006, after a conflict broke out between Lebanon and Israel, on July 12, 2006, and put it into action following the cease-fire between the parties signed on Aug. 14, 2006.

The Turkish Parliament first agreed to send troops to the war-torn country in 2006, despite widespread opposition and protests, to help monitor a shaky cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah guerrillas based in southern Lebanon and has extended its mandate for a year every summer since then.

Parliament previously authorized the government on May 29, 2007, July 8, 2008, June 23, 2009, June 24, 2010, and July 5, 2011, to extend the mandate of Turkish troops operating under UNIFIL.

The Turkish government sent a proposal to Parliament last Monday asking for a year's extension of a peacekeeping mission currently deployed in southern Lebanon to support the UN interim force stationed there.

According to the proposal, signed by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the government asked for the extension of the Turkish military presence in Lebanon by one year starting Sept. 5, 2012.

The proposal stated that due to the political and security situation in Lebanon, it is appropriate for Turkish troops to remain in the country, adding that Turkey's participation in UNIFIL has made major contributions to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

Turkey has dispatched forces, mainly comprising naval force units, to patrol the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey also helps train the Lebanese army and supports its ally in naval and air transportation.