Gillerman: Inconceivable that Malaysia would be part of UN force

Israeli envoy to UN says that to expect nations like Malaysia and Indonesia - who do not recognize Israel's right to exist - to guard Israel's safety 'is a bit naïve'

Ynetnews|Published: 08.18.06 , 18:03

The Israeli envoy to the UN, Danny Gillerman, said that it would be "difficult if not inconceivable" to accept nations who do not recognize Israel's right to exist and who have no diplomatic relations with Israel as part of a UN force in southern Lebanon.

Optimism

Progress made on multinational force

Yitzhak Benhorin

(VIDEO) Following 3 hour meeting in New York, some countries commit to deploying soldiers to initial force in Lebanon, consisting of 3,500 troops. Counties to take part in mission: Italy, Belgium, and Bangladesh. Germany, if it will part, will do so though a patrol force, will not enter territory itself. Force will be deployed by November 4

Progress made on multi-national force

Gillerman made the statement in an interview with BBC Online, after Malaysia and Indonesia – who do not recognize Israel - have both said they were willing to send troops to the region.

He said Israel would be "very happy" to accept troops from Muslim countries they have friendly relations with.

"But to expect countries who don't even recognize Israel to guard Israel's safety I think would be a bit naive," Gillerman said.

Malaysia, on its part, dismissed the comments and said Israel's stance will not influence the decision, BBC reported.

"We're going to be on Lebanese territory ... We're not going to be on Israeli territory," Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said.

UN force to deploy within 15 days

The United Nations is hoping to send a first deployment within 10 to 15 days, of between 3,000 and 3,500 soldiers.

Besides Italy, several countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia and Turkey have expressed willingness to contribute troops. Bulgaria is considering sending troops as part of a peacekeeping mission, but no official decision has been taken yet, Foreign Minister Ivaylo Kalfin said Friday in parliament.

Finland said Friday it might send up to 250 men but no decision would be taken for two weeks.

France has suggested that 1,700 navy and air servicemen currently involved in operations off the coast of Lebanon could support UNIFIL, but only under French and not UN command.

Merkel on late Thursday ruled out sending ground troops to join UNIFIL, but said Germany could send a "maritime protection component" and provide logistics, air transport and reconnaissance, depending on what rules of engagement are agreed upon.