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Photo: Reuters
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan
Photo: Reuters

Annan's suggestions for crisis resolution

Secretary-general extends proposals in UN Security Council meeting: Transfer of kidnapped soldiers to Lebanese army, international committee to determine timetable for instituting UNSCR, dismantling Hizbullah

WASHINGTON - As armed conflict between Israel and Hizbullah continues, the UN Security Council met again Thursday to discuss the escalation of the crisis in the region. UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, condemned Hizbullah's actions, but also censured Israeli use of 'disproportional force' against the Lebanese population and civilian infrastructure.

 

Annan called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, in order to extend humanitarian assistance in the country and create a diplomatic opportunity to discuss conditions for returned calm. According to Annan, in the absence of a ceasefire, it is important to create a safe corridor for the transfer of humanitarian aid to the Lebanese civilian population.

 

Annan's proposal contained several suggestions: Firstly, that the two kidnapped soldiers be transferred immediately from Hizbullah to the Lebanese government. Secondly, that an international force be placed on the Lebanese side of the border in order to increase security. Thirdly, that Lebanon take control over its sovereign territory as required by UNSCR 1559. Fourthly, that an international committee be convened to determine a timetable for the quick implementation of Security Council decisions and the disarmament of Hizbullah.

 

The secretary-general also proposed that the UN help with the rehabilitation of Lebanon. He emphasized that UNIFIL's (UN Interim Force in Lebanon) mandate is coming to an end at this time, and that the UN must decided whether to cease interim force activities, strengthen the force, or replace it with another force.

 

In response to Annan's suggestions, US ambassador to the UN, John Bolton, told reporters that the US would take them under consideration. While the United States is interested in a long-term cessation of hostility, Bolton emphasized that the return of the two kidnapped soldiers is not enough to warrant a ceasefire. "It is just not appropriate to talk about a cease-fire that is the alpha and omega of the situation, and in fact the secretary-general himself said that you want to have a fundamental transformation. The last thing you want to do is fall back on business as usual,” he said.

 

US torpedoes French proposal

 

In contrast, France drafted a proposal requesting a de facto one-sided agreement, including a show of restraint by both sides, the build-up of a stronger UN force in southern Lebanon and the creation of a "humanitarian corridor" that would allow safe passage for foreign citizens.

 

Additionally, the French proposal called for the release of the kidnapped Israeli soldiers and at least a negotiation regarding a ceasefire, and only afterwards required the implementation of UNSCR 1559, which calls for Hizbullah's disarmament. In this context, France condemned 'extremist forces', but did not specifically name Hizbullah.

 

The French proposal was rejected by the US before a draft was even presented to the Security Council. Bolton emphasized that there is no point in reaching a temporary ceasefire in the region, particularly when one of the parties is a terror organization who targets civilians and kidnaps soldiers.

 

US Secretary of State, Condaleeza Rice, arrived in New York in order to prevent initiatives that would hinder Israel's military efforts and also to move the meeting's focus to the implementation of UNSCR 1559: Hizbullah's disarmament and the subsequent deployment of Lebanese forces on their southern border. Rice will meet Thursday night with Annan, EU foreign minister, Javier Solana, and UN emissaries returning from a diplomatic mission in the Middle East.

 

Whitehouse spokesperson, Tony Snow, responded cynically to the question: when will the violence in Lebanon end? "Perhaps when Hizbullah will listen to the cries of the Lebanese people and the international community to stop the violence and provocation." According to Snow, Washington doesn't believe in a ceasefire agreement with terrorists and, as such, a one-sided ceasefire is not an option.

 

Snow went on to describe the requisite conditions for a ceasefire: "If Hizbullah will return the kidnapped soldiers, will stop shooting rockets, then there will be an opportunity to do something. Up to now, there has been no willingness from Hizbullah's side."

 

Washington rejects reports that the US has imposed a time limit on the IDF's operation. "The president…is not clairvoyant and can't know what will happen in five or ten days. We definitely don't know," Snow stated.

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.20.06, 21:45
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