The Chinese government has decided to increase its troop numbers in the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon to 1,000, Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Monday.

 

Wen made the remarks at a meeting with press after holding official talks with visiting Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.

 

He also said China would provide Lebanon with aid materials worth 40 million yuan (US$5.04 million), of which 20 million yuan (US$2.51 million) has already been sent to Lebanon.

 

"China is concerned with the situation in Lebanon, and hopes all sides will observe Resolution 1701 of the UN Security Council to facilitate the early settlement of the conflict," Wen said.

 

Prodi said he was happy to see Chinese troops in the UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon. He hopes with China's participation, Lebanon would soon be assured of peace.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 18, 2006)