ANKARA
Turkish troops will continue to serve as UN peacekeepers in Lebanon for another year, parliament decided on Wednesday.
Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said the Turkish Armed Forces would continue to promote peace and stability as part of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Justice and Development Party deputy Sirin Unal said Turkey could not be indifferent to regional problems while Peoples’ Democratic Party lawmaker Sirri Sureyya Onder questioned the benefits for the people of Lebanon.
UNIFIL was established in 1978 as Israel withdrew from Lebanon to provide security and help the Lebanese government rebuild its authority.
Almost 11,500 troops from 38 countries are part of the UNIFIL mission.
