BRUSSELS, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht left for the Middle East on Wednesday to discuss possible deployment of Belgian troops in south Lebanon, Belgian media reported.

    De Gucht first made a stopover in Paris, where he met Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.

    Livni assured his Belgian counterpart that Israel will not take further military action in Lebanon once the UN peacekeeping force is deployed there, said VRT news.

    De Gucht will also meet Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz in Tel Aviv later Wednesday.

    On Thursday, De Gucht will be traveling to the Lebanese capital of Beirut and hold talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and a number of Lebanese ministers.

    Belgium has indicated its willingness to commit troops to the proposed UN mission in south Lebanon. But the country has asked for a clear mandate for the troops.

    The Belgian government is expected to make a final decision on Friday.

    Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers will gather in Brussels on Friday to discuss their countries' participation. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan will be present.

    It is widely reported that Italy will commit up to 3,000 soldiers, one third of the troops pledged by Europe. Altogether 15,000 troops are needed for the UN mission. Enditem