France reversed course yesterday and agreed to send 1,600 more troops to keep the fragile peace in southern Lebanon.
France had been expected to lead a 15,000-member U.N. force – but stunned world leaders last week when it pledged to add only 200 troops to the 200 French soldiers already there.
But on the eve of an expected U.N. decision to turn over leadership of the force to Italy, French President Jacques Chirac said he would bring the French commitment up to 2,000 troops.
“France is ready, if the United Nations wishes, to continue commanding this force,” Chirac said.
Italy and the United States welcomed Chirac’s decision.
“This is part of a strong and close alliance between Italy and France and we will work together in Lebanon in the interests of peace,” Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi said after talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.