On September 20 a large majority in parliament approved the deployment of naval units to the coast of Lebanon where they will command an international force responsible for monitoring sea traffic to Lebanon in the framework of a redefined UNIFIL mission.
Germany will be involved in the UN mission with a contingent of up to 2,400 men.
Beginning of peace process
Speaking in the course of a parliamentary debate, Chancellor Angela Merkel referred to the new UNIFIL mission as the beginning of a comprehensive peace process.
She underscored that the deployment of German naval units was approved both by Lebanon and Israel. A robust and effective UN mandate has been put in place, meaning that that coercive measures can be taken if commanding officers deem this necessary. All of the key conditions for German involvement have been fulfilled, Merkel noted.
In reference to the special relationship with Israel Merkel noted that the Israeli government's approval of German involvement in the peacekeeping mission must be seen as an expression of confidence.
Germany not neutral
She observed that since 1949 German foreign policy has been based on shared values and, as such, cannot be neutral. These values are the basis for its commitment to peace and security in the EU, NATO, and the UN.
In connection with its responsibility for peace in the world the German government must also be willing to take on military responsibility, Merkel stressed.
Giving peace a chance
The aim of the military mission in Lebanon is to create conditions under which it will be possible to move forward with the peace process. This will not be possible unless further hostilities can be avoided. "A window of opportunity has opened," Merkel said.
The United States will be a key player in any peace talks on the Middle East. Merkel indicated that for this reason she will always be an advocate of US involvement in such talks.
The mission is based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701 which is aimed at helping to create a viable basis for the current ceasefire and to ensure that Lebanon is able to exercise full sovereign authority over its territory.
Suppression of weapons smuggling
The German contribution will be focused on securing Lebanese coastal areas and will be supplemented by transport components. The initial mandate will be for just under a year, ending on August 31, 2007.
The mission will cover all Lebanese territorial waters and, if necessary, include the boarding and searching of suspicious ships in the face of resistance. This robust mandate will be implemented in close cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese government.
German role
The German force will have the following mandate in the framework of the UNIFIL mission:
- command of naval operations and provision of relevant lead nation capabilities,
- reconnaissance and monitoring within the UN-specified area of maritime operations (AMO),
- securing the Lebanese border from the sea,
- monitoring of sea traffic within the area of maritime operations, including checks of cargo and crew, in accordance with the UN-specified rules of engagement,
- rerouting of ships in cases of suspicion,
- maritime interdiction operations within the area of maritime operations,
- support of humanitarian aid efforts,
- air transport into and within the operational areas,
- self-defense and emergency assistance,
- support for the Lebanese armed forces in the form of technical equipment, military advisers, and training assistance.
Contingent makeup
The navy will have a maximum of 1,500 men and women on board the vessels it provides for the UNIFIL mission. The ultimate size of its contingent will depend in large part on the outcome of forthcoming troop provider conferences on the maritime part of UNIFIL.
The air force will provide around 100 persons for air transport duties.
A group of around 400 military personnel will be responsible for command-and-control as well as logistics.
A further group of around 100 military trainers and advisers will be made available to the Lebanese armed forces if requested.
A reserve of around 300 sailors and airmen will be maintained to cover replacement needs.