LEBANON: LUXEMBOURG AGREES WITH UNSCR DRAFT,

C O N F I D E N T I A L LUXEMBOURG 000423 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/07/2016 TAGS: PREL PTER MOPS LU SUBJECT: LEBANON: LUXEMBOURG AGREES WITH UNSCR DRAFT, ASSESSES CONTRIBUTIONS TO STABILIZATION FORCE REF: SECSTATE 128442 Classified By: Charge des Affaires Dan Foote; Reasons 1.4(B/D) ¶1. (C) CDA delivered reftel points to Stephan Muller, Deputy Political Director at the MFA, on August 6. Muller stated that FM Asselborn had argued stridently for such a 2-step approach at the extraordinary August 1 GAERC, and that Luxembourg's priority is an immediate cessation of hostilities to put an end to the dying in Lebanon and Israel. Once the hostilities cease, Muller believes that it will be easier to agree upon a sustainable ceasefire and the composition/mandate of an international stabilization force. ¶2. (C) Luxembourg's parliament and council of ministers have discussed participation in an international stabilization force with a UN mandate, and the political decision to participate, in some form, has been reached. FM Asselborn has posited that a commitment of troops should not be required for participation, and while Luxembourg has not ruled out a limited commitment of soldiers, Muller implied that troop contribution might face an uphill political battle. In a separate conversation with the Deputy Director of the Defense Directorate, we learned that the Luxembourg Army has not been tasked with developing plans for troop deployment at this point. Comment: Luxembourg is committed to participating in a stabilization force in Lebanon, but given its limited military capacity, is more likely to offer funding or logistical support than boots on the ground. Discussions have touched on the possibility of providing strategic airlift (through SALIS) or explosive-ordinance disposal experts, but Luxembourg is waiting for the issue of the international stabilization force to clarify before making firm commitments. End comment. FOOTE