After UNIFIL: Contacts to Shape European Force

Well-informed political sources told "Al-Liwa" newspaper that the European-Lebanese understanding on establishing a civilian-military European mission to support and enhance the capabilities of Lebanese security agencies does not mean it will replace UNIFIL in the south. They stressed that this mission could serve as a test of its viability, noting that the number of participating countries has not yet been decided, with talk of a French and Italian role but the full count remains to be seen.

The sources considered that the presence of this force is merely a reflection of European support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, while filling the security vacuum in the south remains a concern for those involved. Hence, contacts are underway to crystallize the formula for this force before the end of the current year; otherwise, the matter will be left solely to the presence of the Lebanese Army. They pointed out that any new force must enjoy international cover so as not to face any pressures.