Cambodia sends 2nd batch of troops for UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon

Cambodia dispatched the second batch of 218 engineering forces to Lebanon to join the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation overseas on Tuesday. The group was seen off at Phnom Penh Airbase by commander-in- chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces four-star general Pol Saroeun. Speaking at the see-off ceremony, Pol Saroeun advised the troops to behave well during the mission in Lebanon to uplift Cambodia's reputation and dignity on international arena. Brig. Gen. Ken Sosavoeun, deputy director of the military's Peacekeeping Operations Department, said the group will replace the first batch of 219 forces who have fulfilled their one-year mission in Lebanon and are scheduled to return home on Wednesday. "Their mission in Lebanon includes humanitarian activities, demining, construction of roads, bridges, and hospital," he told Xinhua. Cambodia firstly sent troops abroad in April 2006 under the UN umbrella. It has sent troops to Sudan, then to Chad and Central African to contribute to the UN's efforts in peacekeeping operations. Cambodian troops started the mission in Lebanon in November last year.