Mandate of Turkish troops in lebanon extended for another year

Parliament passed a motion yesterday to authorize the government to extend the mandate of Turkish troops under the banner of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another year as of September 5. Addressing Parliament before the vote on the motion, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said the Turkish troops serving Lebanon are fulfilling Turkey's historical obligations. "Peace in Lebanon is an area of responsibility for Turkey as a result of its historical obligations and zones of influence," he said, adding that it's also part of fundamental Turkish foreign policy principles and Turkey's stance toward the Middle East. "The basic goal of Turkish foreign policy is to put Turkey among major global and regional actors that make significant contributions," Davutoglu said. The UN Security Council resolution is expected to extend UNIFIL's mandate in August.