AUSTRALIA WELCOMES UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 CANBERRA 001224 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PTER MOPS UNAUS UNSC IS LE AS SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA WELCOMES UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION ON LEBANON; REITERATES THAT CONTRIBUTION TO EXPANDED UN FORCE LIKELY TO BE SMALL REF: STATE 132517 ¶1. (U) Acting POLCOUNS delivered ref demarche on UNSC Resolution 1701 to Richard Maude, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs and Director, Lebanon Crisis Management Center, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, on August 12. ¶2. (U) Maude responded by referring to Foreign Minister Alexander Downer's media release and public remarks earlier in the day. In his media release (text at para 4 below),FM Downer welcomed adoption of the resolution, commending the leadership of the United States and France in bringing it about. He urged Hezbollah, which he termed "a terrorist organization," to stop all attacks against Israel, and for Israel to cease offensive operations in Lebanon, and called on the United Nations, Lebanon and Israel to work towards a sustainable and durable ceasefire, including full implementation of resolutions requiring the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon. Downer also called on Iran and Syria to respect the resolution, as well as Israel's right to exist within secure borders. ¶3. (U) In a separate press interview on August 12, FM Downer responded to an inquiry about commitment of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to Lebanon by reiterating earlier GOA statements that Australia might provide some niche capability or logistical support but would be unable to provide large numbers of troops. ¶4. (U) Following is the text of Foreign Minister Downer's August 12 media statement: Begin text: Lebanon Situation I welcome the unanimous adoption today of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 calling for the full cessation of hostilities in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. I commend the leadership of the United States and France in achieving this outcome. The Australian Government has been deeply concerned about the loss of life in the conflict and its affect on civilian populations and has been calling for such a resolution. It is now essential that Hezbollah, a terrorist organization, stop all attacks against Israel. Israel should also stop offensive operations in Lebanon in accordance with the terms of the resolution. I note the resolution authorizes the expansion of the mandate and size of UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon. This resolution does not mean the end to the crisis. This CANBERRA 00001224 002 OF 002 will not occur until the underlying causes of the conflict are resolved. I call on the United Nations, the Government of Lebanon and the Government of Israel to work towards a sustainable and durable ceasefire. This must be based on strict respect by all parties for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries and full implementation of resolutions requiring the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon. It is also essential Iran and Syria respect the resolution, and Israel's right to exist within secure borders. End text. OWENS