UNIFIL deplores "Israeli" overflights as new Qatari troops arrive and Finns wind down

Source: Daily Star, 04-10-2007
NAQOURA: A spokeswoman of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Wednesday described "Israeli" overflights as a "violation of Lebanese airspace and of UN resolution 1701." "UNIFIL keeps a record of all `Israeli` overflights and has already filed a complaint to the `Israeli` Army, and informed the peacekeeping office of the United Nations," Yasmina Bouziane said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Finnish peacekeepers operating as part of UNIFIL have fulfilled their mandate which included supporting other UNIFIL units, as well as repairing, maintaining, and building new UNIFIL bases.
The Finnish commander of the Finnish-Irish UNIFIL battalion, Osmo Toivanen, told Finland`s national news agency that he was pleased with the unit`s accomplishments, which include the de-mining and clearing of live explosives and bombs.
The remaining Finnish troops will return home by the end of the year, he said.
The third replacement unit of the Qatari force working with UNIFIL left Doha on Monday for Lebanon.
This third replacement mission included 100 soldiers and another replacement team is expected to arrive in Lebanon in the near future.
The force was seen off at Doha International Airport by Major General Ghanim bin Shaheen al-Ghanim, the assistant chief of staff for operations and training in Qatar`s army.
Speaking to reporters, Ghanim said the Qatari force gained respect and appreciation in South Lebanon because of its efforts there, adding that he felt such respect and praise during his inspection tour of the force prior to the start of Ramadan.
The Qatari force is comprised of 205 personnel and serves as part of UNIFIL as per UN
Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended last year`s war with "Israel". The headquarters of the Qatari contingent are located in the Southern town of Bint Jbeil.