UN SecCo res’n on Lebanon-Israeli conflict – Russian Federation statement – Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry press release/Non-UN document

Unofficial translation from Russian

PRESS RELEASE

Adoption by UN Security Council of Resolution on Lebanon-Israel Conflict

1392-12-08-2006

The UN Security Council on August 11 unanimously adopted resolution 1701 on Lebanon. This comprehensive document embraces fundamentally important provisions on support of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon and on the parallel withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and deployment by the Lebanese government and the UN of their forces in all southern areas of the country.

Work on the draft had proceeded with difficulty. Russia had actively helped to work out a decision which would be acceptable to all the parties and would set the stage for a lasting settlement. As a result the resolution reflects the key demand for an immediate cessation of hostilities, takes into account the lawful demands of Lebanon and lays down provisions that meet the security interests of Israel.

Russia's initiative for adopting a short SC decision on a humanitarian cease-fire had helped speed up arrival at consensus in the Council around this resolution.

With its adoption the first important step has been taken on the road to overcoming this dangerous crisis. Set into the text of the resolution is a complex of measures which will make it possible to ensure a permanent cease-fire and an enduring settlement. In particular, provision is made for increasing the strength of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon to 15,000 troops, whose mandate could subsequently be broadened.

We count on all the parties observing this UNSC decision undeviatingly.

We feel that, apart from the immediate cause of the conflict – the capture of two Israeli soldiers – its root cause was the absence of a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East. Therefore, one of the chief objectives of the international community must be concentrating on the establishment of conditions for a resumption of the peace process in this region on all tracks. One urgent task in this regard is to normalize the situation in the Palestinian territories, and resume the dialogue between the PNA and Israel.

Russia intends to continue steadily facilitating a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East in its capacity as a UNSC permanent member and also as a country traditionally playing an active role in this region.

August 12, 2006