Adds that Lebanon must reach a national consensus on disarming Hizbullah.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFannan and erdogan 298 ap(photo credit: AP)
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Wednesday praised Turkey's decision to join the expanded UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, saying such contributions were "a sign of international solidarity."
Ruling party lawmakers voted Tuesday in favor of deploying Turkish troops to monitor the cease-fire between Israel and Hizbullah, despite objections from opposition parties and street protests by thousands.
On Wednesday, police used tear gas and water cannons to break up a demonstration in Ankara by some 300 leftists protesting parliament's decision.
Annan on added that Lebanon must reach a national consensus on disarming Hizbullah.
"There has to be a national consensus among the Lebanese to disarm," Annan said. "The remaining ones (militias) should disarm and devote themselves to political activities."
He also said the use of force is not the only means of disarming Hibzullah.
