Malaysia Awaits UN Details On UNIFIL’s Future Direction
PORT DICKSON, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is awaiting detailed information from the United Nations (UN) on the future direction of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission and whether an interim force will be deployed to replace it.
Chief of Defence Force Gen Mohd Nizam Jaffar said the withdrawal of more than 10,000 peacekeepers from Lebanon would create a vacuum in the country’s southern region, which the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) would need to fill.
“The Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) 850-13, comprising 532 personnel, is the last group to join the peacekeeping mission since UNIFIL announced its withdrawal from Lebanon.
“This matter has also been conveyed to the UN, as there may be issues arising, and they will provide a detailed plan in June,” he told reporters at the United Nations Medal (PNBB) presentation ceremony for members of MALBATT 850-12, involving 852 personnel comprising 82 officers and 770 other ranks here on Thursday.
Mohd Nizam said MALBATT 850-13 personnel are responsible for training LAF members in preparation for the full handover of the operational area to the Lebanese forces, with some capital items also being left behind to support their capability.
He said the MALBATT teams will also vacate the Tibnin and Hariss camps and be consolidated at the Marakah Camp before the area is fully handed over to the LAF.
“In terms of assets, we will review which equipment should be left behind, as many newly formed brigades have been established in the area,” he said.
On Malaysia’s complete withdrawal from the mission, he said the process is expected to take place in December next year, although a small group may remain to manage the remaining equipment and related matters.
“This will be a major movement, as we have been there since 2007,” he added.
Previous reports stated that MALBATT 850-13 is the last Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) contingent to join the UNIFIL mission since Malaysia’s involvement began in 2007.
On another matter, he said the MAF is ready to be deployed to Gaza if required and is awaiting notification from the UN.
“So far, we have been informed informally that the mission will proceed, but we have not received anything official yet. Nevertheless, we have prepared two operational options for the tasks that may be carried out in Gaza, including logistics, engineering and medical support,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
