BULGARIA SUPPORTS DRAFT UNSC RESOLUTION ON LEBANON

UNCLAS SOFIA 001102 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PTER MOPS UN BU SUBJECT: BULGARIA SUPPORTS DRAFT UNSC RESOLUTION ON LEBANON REF: SECSTATE 128442 ¶1. (SBU) We delivered reftel on draft UNSCR regarding Lebanon to Emil Yalnazov, MFA's Head of United Nations and Global Issues Directorate, on Aug. 7. Yalnazov said the GOB welcomes the resolution as a sign of a united UN voice on the issue. It is time for action; allowing the crisis to go on further undermines UN authority, he said. The text is not perfect, but the important part is that there is a starting point, he continued. ¶2. (SBU) Yalnazov said that the mandate and make-up of the Stabilization Force is the next big step. We used the opportunity to float the idea of Bulgaria contributing troops. He had not heard anything discussed, but said such a decision would have to be taken at the highest political levels. (N.B. Bulgaria is not among the countries that have been approached formally to contribute troops.) He suggested that minimal security guarantees for the peace-keeping troops must be in place before any country decides to commit troops. Beyrle