By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Malaysia on Thursday offered to increase the number of troops that it plans to send to join UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, the national news agency reported.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said the United Nations has so far approved the deployment of a 360-member Malaysian team, most of whom will depart for southern Lebanon on Jan. 15 to begin their duties with the UN peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL.
"If the UN's mandate is extended to more than six months, then Malaysia (would like) to register its intention early that it wants to send a larger troop" number, Najib was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.
The Malaysian troops are expected to be stationed in the town of Marjayoun, where they will conduct surveillance and perform administration work, Najib added.