Clearing and searching detachment mobilised in search for Finnish officer in Lebanon

Press release 269/2006
2 August, 2006

UNIFIL’s Indian clearing and searching detachment has been mobilised in the search for Finnish officer Jarno Mäkinen among the ruins of Patrol Base Khiyam in southern Lebanon. Clearing work has been delayed due to the continued fighting in the area. Yesterday the Ministry for Foreign Affairs urged Israel to suspend military activities in the area of the base in order for it to be possible to find the last UN Observer killed in the strike.

Further information: Director General Aapo Pölhö, Department for Africa and the Middle East, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 6212, Deputy Chief Veli-Matti Rintala, Finnish International Training Centre, tel. +358 2 1816 3001