13 March 2008
SIDON: The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon circulated extensive patrols along the border with Israel on Wednesday, but officials from both UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) reiterated that the situation in the South was "calm and normal." Also Wednesday, UNIFIL's Spanish contingent erected observation posts along the Lebanese portion of the occupied Southern village of Ghajar.
Last week a UNIFIL spokeswoman denied rumors that the Israeli Army had crossed the Blue Line, established by the UN to demarcate the border with Israel after the latter withdrew from most of the South in 2000.
In a press release, Yasmina Bouzianne said the Israeli military had not violated the Blue Line through the town of Ghajar, nor was the army lined up along the Wazzani River, contrary to information that was circulated by the press earlier.
"The Israeli Army did not extend past its area of operations. They are working in the area under their control," Bouzianne added.
UNIFIL's French contingent has also stepped up its activities. Last week it held a round of training exercises in areas extending from Aarqoub to the Israeli occupied Shebaa Farms.
A report by the National News Agency added that these areas were chosen to provide the forces with familiarity of the terrain as a contingency in preparation for any developments in the security situation along the Israeli border.
The report added that the French UNIFIL battalion conducted similar exercises last week in the Southern towns of Abbasiyeh, Mari, Ain Arab, Wazzani and the Hamames Hills.
Created in 1978, UNIFIL was boosted to a 13,000-strong international force following the 34-day war with Israel in July and August 2006.
Under Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the war, the peacekeepers are charged with monitoring the Lebanon-Israel frontier and helping the Lebanese Army, which was deployed in the area for the first time in decades.
In other UNIFIL-related developments, the South Korean contingent organized on Wednesday a Taekwondo tournament at the southern village of Adaysseh, where the battalion's headquarters are located.
Youth from the village also took part in the tournament after they had attended training classes in South Korea's most popular sport. Taekwondo tryouts were given by members from the South Korean contingent to villagers, and more sessions are to be scheduled.
The tournament was followed by a parade, during which Koreans danced and sang traditional songs.
"The Korean battalion is keen on building ties of trust, respect, and friendship with Southerners," a statement issued by the South Koreans said following the event.
Copyright The Daily Star 2008.
