02 September 2008

BEIRUT: Command of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon's (UNIFIL) naval contingent, the Maritime Task Force (MTF), was passed from Italy to France Monday in a ceremony on board the outgoing flagship, the Scirocco, in coastal waters off Beirut. In a symbolic handover, the UN flag was passed from the Italian MTF commander to his French successor, signaling the end of Italy's six-month tenure at the head of the naval mission.

Speaking on the flight deck of the Italian frigate, the new commander of the MTF, Rear Admiral Alain Hinden, paid tribute to his predecessor, Rear Admiral Ruggiero di Biase, and emphasized the importance of the task force's work.

He warned that without a defined naval presence patrolling the waters off Lebanon "numerous illegal activities" could develop that would harm Lebanese interests. "We are present to help Lebanon recover its sovereignty," he said, pledging to continue the mission "in order prevent tears from flowing again."

As he took command of the United Nations' first ever naval mission, a procession of warships representing the contributing members of the task force sailed past in formation and a helicopter circled overhead.

The MTF is responsible for about 17,000 square kilometers of sea off the coast of Lebanon, ensuring that arms are not smuggled into the country. It was launched in 2006 in the aftermath of the devastating July- August war with Israel. 

The force's deployment led to the lifting of a crippling blockade that Israel implemented during the war to prevent shipping reaching Lebanese ports. The blockade was maintained for almost a month after the war had ended, hampering badly needed relief and reconstruction efforts.

Launched as part of the expanded UNIFIL mission mandated by Security Council Resolution 1701, the MTF was initially placed under German command before a combined European task force (EUROMARFOR) headed up by Italy took over in February this year.

The UN warships patrol Lebanese waters to identify vessels suspected of smuggling arms. Those that warrant further investigation are then searched by members of the Lebanese Navy, who receive training and support from UNIFIL.

Since its deployment, the MTF says it has hailed more than 18,000 ships, and almost 150 suspect vessels have been searched. An illegal arms shipment has never been found, although officials say that cases of illegal immigration have been discovered.  

Speaking to diplomats, military commanders and journalists Monday on board the 123-meter Scirocco, Major General Claudio Graziano, UNFIL's overall commander, said: "The Maritime Task Force is a vital tool for UNIFIL, allowing the mission to carry out the tasks as mandated to it by the Security Council to the fullest. We are fully committed and determined to fulfill our duties in co-operation with the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure peace and stability in the area of operations. UNIFIL is assisting Lebanon in taking the steps to be able to control its territorial sea borders without assistance in the future."

MTF officials were quick to emphasize that they were not seeking to build the Lebanese Navy's combat capability, but only to give it a "coast-guard like capacity." They said that the MTF's role would continue for some time to come, pointing out that the Lebanese Navy still lacked the necessary equipment to administer the country's maritime borders.

"It will take some time for Lebanon to take control of maritime operations. The Lebanese Navy is still being trained, and they need more ships," Lieutenant Razzino, an MTF spokesman, told The Daily Star. 

French command of the MTF will be supported by ships from Belgium, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece and Turkey and continued co-operation with the Lebanese Navy, officials at Monday's ceremony said.

Copyright The Daily Star 2008.