The United Nations explained Tuesday the "rules of engagement" that will be used by its peacekeepers who are supervising a cease-fire in south Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel since August 14. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said it could resort to the "use of force beyond self-defense," but did not give details on the means which will be used.
"UNIFIL commanders have sufficient authority to act forcefully when confronted with hostile activity of any kind," a UN statement said. "All UNIFIL personnel may exercise the inherent right of self-defense. In addition, the use of force beyond self-defense may be applied to ensure that UNIFIL's area of operations," it said.
According to the statement the UN mandate is aimed at protecting "UN personnel, facilities, installations and equipment; ensuring the security and freedom of movement of UN personnel and humanitarian workers; and protecting civilians under imminent threat of physical violence." |