Belgium's Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt on Friday announced that Belgium will contribute troops to the expanded U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon. «It is our duty to take part and Belgium will take up its responsibility,» Verhofstadt said after meeting with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The announcement on the number and composition of the Belgian contribution is expected later Friday. The Belgian government long hesitated on a commitment, waiting for clarification from the United Nations on the rules of engagement and guarantees on security. «The guarantees are there,» said Belgian Defense Minister Andre Flahaut. The Belgian announcement came just before a meeting of the 25 EU foreign ministers with Annan in Brussels, where several other EU nations are expected to announce their contribution, the Associated Press reported. Flahaut said Belgian troops would most likely be part of a de-mining unit, since mine clearance is a specialty of the Belgian armed forces. The troops also would contribute to securing several areas in southern Lebanon, he said. The defense minister said the security of the troops was high on the government's mind. «The security of our people is the first priority. It is a very difficult decision,» said Flahaut. European leaders have moved forward with plans for an expanded U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, with France increasing its contribution to 2,000 troops. The force is expected to grow to 15,000.
