China to boost UN peacekeepers in Lebanon to 1,000

BEIJING: China has decided to increase its peacekeeping force in Lebanon to 1,000 personnel, Premier Wen Jiabao said on Monday, an increase from around 240 at present.       

"China has decided to increase its peacekeeping force in Lebanon to 1,000," Wen told a briefing in Beijing with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.              

"China is very concerned about the situation in Lebanon and hopes it can be fundamentally resolved," Wen said.   

China would also give Lebanon 40 million yuan (five million dollars) in humanitarian assistance, including 20 million yuan that has already been sent, Wen said.             

"We sincerely hope the Lebanese situation can be fully stabilised," he said.           

Prodi said China's growing commitment to Lebanon was a reflection of Beijing's rising international status.            

"With China's assistance, peace can come sooner to Lebanon," Prodi said.          

"In the future the Israel-Palestine issue must also be resolved, and all countries must participate in this through the United Nations, and China can also participate."             

Wen reportedly made the pledge during a meeting with European leaders earlier this month, but Monday was his first public confirmation.       

The force will help with the delicate task of keeping the peace between Israeli and Hezbollah forces.