Livni: Must return kidnapped troops
Livni leaving Tuesday night for meeting with Kofi Annan. On the agenda: Implementation of UNSCR 1701 and a return of kidnapped Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. Says to Ynet: 'As long as soldiers are not returned, the operation is not complete'
Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, will leave for New York Tuesday night for a meeting with UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan. A primary topic on the agenda will be the return of kidnapped soldiers, Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser.
In an interview with Ynet, Livni emphasized that "an end of the fighting does not mean an end of the process…The process of returning our kidnapped soldiers will continue. As long as the soldiers are not returned, the operation is not complete. It is the duty of the Israeli government to bring these soldiers home and it will do so."
Livni spoke with Ynet during her tour of northern communities: Nahariya, Kiryat Shmona, Carmiel and Tiberias. In response to claims that military operations should have continued, Livni said: "Military operations, regardless of duration, could not have produced outcomes. It was necessary to move on and focus on the political phase, which was in motion from the onset of the conflict. I believe that the results of the ceasefire agreement, if implemented, are enough. We will only be able to evaluate this in the long-term, not now."
Resolution must be properly implemented
According to Livni, "Hizbullah is currently crippled. It will not risk clashing with Lebanese armed forces. We must understand that there is a chance that this process can change everything that is happening in Lebanon. I'm referring to a multinational force, an embargo on Syria and Iran, distancing Hizbullah from the border. The true test of the military operation and the political process will take place over time. We need to see, over time, if the clauses of the resolution are implemented."
Regarding her imminent meeting with Annan, Livni states: "I'm going to meet with the UN Secretary-General in order to ensure that the Security Council resolution is properly implemented. I'm not using this word in order exert pressure, rather I want to confirm that procedures are taking place in accordance with Israel's understanding of the resolution.
"I want to emphasize that the future is not only in the hands of the Israeli government, but also in the hands of the Lebanese government. UNSCR 1701 must be implemented in its entirety and any Hizbullah fire in Lebanon will constitute a violation of the resolution. Hizbullah was called to stop its assaults immediately, not only against Israel, but also against IDF soldiers remaining in Lebanon and I call for a full realization of this ceasefire," she added.
Effects must be examined over time
In response to a Ynet question regarding plans to create an inquiry committee to examine government failures in handling the conflict, Livni answered "I think the government is responsible for everything it does. I think it is right to censure things if required, but we need time in order to examine the effects and in order to see if the government behaved correctly."
Livni also addressed the issue of Iranian and Syrian involvement in Lebanon, saying: "UNSCR 1701 is intended to loosen these countries' grip on Lebanon. The resolution is contrary to Iranian interests. They desire a front with Israel via Hizbullah. The resolution prevents this and distances Hizbullah."
"Regarding Syria, it will need to decide where it stands. Lebanon is supposed to take off in a different direction, without it. The Syrians cannot influence Lebanon without Hizbullah," she added.
Additionally, Livni discussed the homefront, during meetings with northern mayors: "I visited during the battles, the day after. I think that the Israel government is responsible for dealing with any problem that you bring up. The government intends to do this. Many of these issues will already be discussed in the upcoming cabinet meeting, Sunday."
