However, no final decision was made on sending the force because its function is not yet been defined. Parliamentary approval will also been required for the despatch of Finnish forces.
Finland has experience in the region, as Finnish peacekeepers were stationed in Lebanon from 1982 to 2001. Currently there are over 700 Finnish peacekeepers in various trouble spots around the globe including 400 stationed in Kosovo and two units of about 100 in Bosnia and Afghanistan.
There are some concerns though at despatching Finnish troops to Lebanon. On Friday Christian Democratic Chair Päivi Räsäsen, called for Parliament to be convened to discuss Finnish participation. She said the costs, estimated to be at least 10 million euros, and the dangers involved demand a role by Parliament.
Räsänen also voiced concern that Finland's present, but temporary, high-profile role as EU President could lead the government to commit too large a force. The foreign affairs committee is scheduled to handle the issue Tuesday.
According to diplomatic sources, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Norway, France and Nepal are among those nations which have pledged troops for the operation. Denmark, Germany and Britain have so far promised naval support. The UN wants to deploy some 15 thousand peacekeepers across southern Lebanon.
