GUIDANCE: UNIIIC MANDATE EXTENSION RESOLUTION

UNCLAS STATE 038560

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC LE
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE: UNIIIC MANDATE EXTENSION RESOLUTION


1. (U) USUN is authorized to join consensus on the
resolution, in para 2 below, authorizing an extension of
UNIIIC's mandate until June 15, 2008.


2. (U) Begin text.

The Security Council,

Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions, in
particular resolutions 1595 (2005),1636 (2005),1644
(2005),1664 (2006),1686 (2006),1373 (2001) and 1566
(2004),

Reaffirming its strongest condemnation of the 14 February
2005 terrorist bombing, as well as of all other attacks in
Lebanon since October 2004, and reaffirming also that
those involved in these attacks must be held accountable
for their crimes,

Having examined the report of the International
Independent Investigation Commission (Sec/2007/150) ("The
Commission"),submitted pursuant to resolutions 1595
(2005),1636 (2005),1644 (2005),and 1686 (2006),

Commending the Commission for the outstanding professional
work it continues to accomplish under difficult
circumstances in assisting the Lebanese authorities in
their investigation into all aspects of this terrorist
act,

Taking note of the letter of the Prime Minister of Lebanon
of 21 February 2007 to the Secretary-General
Sec/2007/159, Enclosure requesting that the mandate of
the Commission be extended for a further period of up to
one year from 15 June 2007 in order to ensure stability
and continuity in the investigative process, and noting
the concurrent recommendation of the Secretary-General in
this regard,

Noting the Commission's conclusion that, in light of its
current and planned investigative activities and while
significant progress has been made, it is unlikely that
the Commission will complete its work before its current
mandate expires and that the Commission therefore welcomes
the Lebanese request for an extension of its mandate
beyond this date,

Willing to continue to assist Lebanon in the search for
the truth and in holding all those involved in this
terrorist attack accountable,


1. Welcomes the report of the Commission;


2. Decides to extend the mandate of the Commission until
15 June 2008 and declares its readiness to terminate the
mandate earlier if the Commission reports that it has
completed the implementation of its mandate;


3. Requests the Commission to continue to report to the
Council on the progress of the investigation every four
months, or at any other time as it deems appropriate;


4. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

End text.
RICE