Related: Lebanese Leader Rejects Deployment of UN Troops along Border with Syria

The expanded UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon is not aimed at destroying Hezbollah guerrillas, Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema said on Saturday.

In an interview with Time magazine posted on its website, D'Alema said the peacekeepers are being sent in to shore up the democratic government of Lebanon after a 34-day conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

"Our objective is not to destroy Hezbollah, which by now is an important part of Lebanese society," he said. "We hope Hezbollah transforms into a legitimate political movement."

The European nations, including Italy, have pledged to send 7,000 troops to the 15,000-strong UN mission in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, to ensure lasting ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel.

The UN mission will be put under the command of France until February 2007, when Italy will take over command.

"The Arab world is at a crossroads, with democratic impulses facing off with a violent religious fundamentalism," the Italian foreign minister said.

"We want the democratic forces to prevail. So this UN force is there to strengthen the Lebanese government," he added.