Rome, AUG 18, SPA -- The Italian government has at a special sitting onFriday approved the participation of Italian soldiers in the UnitedNations force in Lebanon, DPA REPORTED. The decision by the centre-left cabinet was unanimous, said PrimeMinister Romano Prodi. It is now up to the parliament to ratify the decision. Oppositionleader Silvio Belusconi had already signalled his agreement. "This is a new phase in Italian foreign policy," Prodi said, whilemaking it clear that it would be a "peacekeeping mission." The numbers of soldiers would be decided upon in the next fewdays. Unofficial figures of approximately 3,000 soldiers were beingquoted. Prodi placed two conditions on the participation of Italiantroops. There would have to be a UN mandate with precise division oftasks. Another condition was the Hezbollah's agreement to the UN'sstrengthening of the forces in south Lebanon. Prodi had been assuredon this point by the Beirut government.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/383519