UNIFIL must be strengthened after attacks says Crosetto

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 17 - UNIFIL must be strengthened with new rules of engagement, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told the Senate on Thursday as he reported on Israel's recent attacks on the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, which features a 1,000-strong Italian contingent.
    "UNIFIL must be strengthened and the Lebanese forces made more credible," Crosetto said.
    "New rules of engagement are needed. Israel should help us strengthen UNIFIL, which must be able to exercise real deterrence to the use of force.
    "Israel must abide by the rules of international law and protect the civilian population, in Gaza as in Lebanon, and the UN contingent".
    Israel has told UNIFIL to leave border areas where it is combatting Hezbollah.
    But Crosetto said that 'leaving now would undermine the credibility of the UN".
    He added, however, that "evacuation plans have been updated, tested and are ready to be implemented if necessary". (ANSA).