German UNIFIL navy task force sails into Cyprus

LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Oct 4 (Reuters) A German naval flotilla sailed into Cyprus today as part of a United Nations force tasked with monitoring the ceasefire in Lebanon.

Two frigates, two supply ships and four fast patrol boats will join a multinational force patrolling the Lebanese coastline in the first German naval deployment in West Asia since World War Two, a German defence spokesman said.

The detachment is due to start operations in mid-next month and its key mandate is to prevent weapons smuggling into Lebanon. It will use the Cypriot port of Limassol as a base for its vessels.

''Our mission will start at the low end, monitoring initially ...

to establish a maritime picture. Once we have that picture we will start controlling ships, calling them on VHF to find out where they are going and what their business is,'' said Commander Ulrich Reineke of the German frigate Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

He said the task force would liaise with the Lebanese government if follow-up inspections of vessels were required.

EU nations agreed last month to provide the core of the UN force, which will have up to 15,000 troops at full strength.

Tens of thousands of foreigners living in Lebanon were evacuated to Cyprus during 34 days of fighting between Israel and Hizbollah guerrillas in July and August.

REUTERS MS PM1519