NEW ZEALAND RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE ON LEBANON

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000629 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/FO, EAP/FO, NEA/ELA, EAP/ANP, AND IO/UNP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PTER MOPS UN IS NZ SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE ON LEBANON SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION REF: SECSTATE 132517 WELLINGTON 592 ¶1. (U) On August 14, Acting DCM delivered reftel information to Darryl Dunn, Director, Middle East and Africa Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). ¶2. (SBU) Dunn said that GNZ welcomes the resolution and remains interested in participating in a UN force. Ministry of Defence officials have been discussing possible participation for the past few weeks, and were to meet again on the issue later in the day. Dunn promised to let ADCM know the outcome of the meeting, but he cautioned that GNZ needs more details about what the peacekeeping force will entail before making a final decision. He reminded ADCM that because of ongoing commitments in Afghanistan, Timor, and the Solomon's, New Zealand's contributions will be limited, with a few military liaisons being the most likely (Ref B). ¶3. (U) Prime Minister Clark also issued a public statement on the resolution on August 12, with a similar note of New Zealand's willingness to participate in peacekeeping but also a similar note of caution as to the scope of its contribution. The complete text follows: NZ welcomes UN resolution for Middle East Prime Minister Helen Clark today welcomed news that the United Nations Security Council had earlier today (NZT) unanimously passed a resolution calling for a full cessation of hostilities in southern Lebanon. "Reaching agreement on this resolution has been a protracted and difficult process. The next steps towards achieving an immediate ceasefire and a lasting solution may be just as trying." "The onus now lies on the governments of Lebanon and Israel to accept the resolution as the basis for moving forward. They must work, in conjunction with the UN Secretary-General, to agree on the cessation of hostilities and the implementation of the steps identified in the resolution for the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the compliance of all parties with the ceasefire arrangements. "The international community will need to play its part in supporting the implementation of the resolution. I call on all parties involved in this tragic conflict, as well as the wider international community, to use their influence to help bring peace and a lasting solution. "New Zealand stands ready to consider what role we might play in an expanded UN presence in southern Lebanon, taking into account the other demands on our Defence Force," Helen Clark. End Text of Statement. MCCORMICK