Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 September 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 September 2006. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 2 October 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Middle East

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the UN on the possibility of the UK providing manpower to the multilateral force in the Lebanon.

Answer: [holding answer 13 September 2006]: We have been in continual discussion with the UN regarding UK contributions to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).At a United Nations meeting held in New York on 17 August 2006 to scope support for an expanded UNIFIL, attended by over 50 countries, we identified a range of UK air and maritime assets and other military facilities, which could potentially be called on to support UN operations in Lebanon, depending on the UN's requirements. On 7 September 2006 we received a letter from Kofi Annan formally requesting UK maritime assistance for the interim maritime task force. HMS York is now assisting the Italian-led interim maritime taskforce.Subject to the approval of the Government of Lebanon, there is strong international support for the UK to lead an interim cell in Lebanon to co-ordinate support to the Lebanese armed forces and Security Sector Reform (SSR). In parallel, there will be a need to work with international partners to establish a longer term international SSR structure.

Secondary information