Norway to complete UNIFIL II engagement as planned

Norway will complete its participation in the UNIFIL II  maritime force in April as planned. Four Norwegian missile torpedo boats (MTB) have patrolled Lebanese waters for six months.

- We will complete our assignment in UNIFIL according to plan. We have not been asked to extend our contribution, says Defence Minister Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen.

The Norwegian vessels started their assignment at the end of October 2005. Norway has had about 130 personnel in the international force, including support elements. The Norwegian troops have been stationed on Cyprus.

- Feedback on the job our troops have done has been very positive. The Government is considering how we can make other contributions to support a positive development in Lebanon, says the Defence Minister.

The Government has committed 100 million NOK to various projects in Lebanon, of which 40 million will go to humanitarian projects.