CZECH REPUBLIC PUBLICLY PRAISES ARAB LEAGUE

UNCLAS PRAGUE 000306 SENSITIVE SIPDIS NEA/ELA MIRWIN, EUR/ERA FOR JGIAUGQUE, EUR/NCE FOR ATRATENSEK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV LE SY IR EZ EUN SUBJECT: CZECH REPUBLIC PUBLICLY PRAISES ARAB LEAGUE ENGAGEMENT REGARDING LEBANON REF: STATE 52061 ¶1. (U) On May 14 the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the following statement on the recent violence in Lebanon. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic condemns the attempts to solve the constitutional crisis in Lebanon in a violent way and appeals to all parties concerned to immediately cease violence and refrain from further acts of violence. In this critical period we appeal to all parties involved to return to their dialogue in order to come to a compromise. We fully support the efforts of the government of Prime Minister Siniora to ensure security and stability in the territory of Lebanon. The reopening of Rafik Hariri International Airport and restoration of its regular operation will as well undoubtedly help to ease the situation. We evaluate the active role played by the League of Arab States and support its efforts leading to the solution of the impasse in Lebanon. Its three-item plan should become the starting point leading to the solution of the present crisis. All the relevant resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council must be fulfilled. First of all, the disarmament of all militias, including Hezbollah, must be achieved in Lebanon. We welcome the establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in accordance with the UN Security Council's Resolution 1757. End of Czech Statement. ¶2. (SBU) While this statement addresses many of the issues raised in Ref A, Embassy Prague still attempted to contacted several key Czech MFA officials to discuss USG concerns regarding the need to improve the bargaining position of the Lebanese government, condemn violence, and address Hizballah. Given the concurrent travel of key Czech officials, however, post has only been able to convey these concerns to an official within the Czech Middle East Department that does not normally cover Lebanon. If and when post receives a response to these specific concerns, post will provide an update. Graber