Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06CANBERRA1224
2006-08-12 10:26:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Canberra
Cable title:
AUSTRALIA WELCOMES UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION
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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
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
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