Situation in Middle East – MEPs support UN resolution

The European Parliament welcomed the United Nations decision to send 15,000 troops to southern Lebanon in a resolution adopted 7 September 2006. MEPs stress that UNIFIL should have a clear mandate and clear rules of engagement. They also call for the immediate release of the kidnapped Israeli soldiers, as well as the imprisoned members of the Palestinian government and Legislative Council. Israel should transfer withheld Palestinian tax revenues and open the Gaza Strip's borders.