United Nations Security Council resolution on the situation in Lebanon
Berne, 12.08.2006 - The DFA welcomes the adoption of a resolution on the situation in Lebanon by the UN Security Council, which comes one month after the crisis broke out. The DFA considers that in order to stop the further suffering of the civilian population the hostilities and attacks must stop immediately and permanently. It is also the view of the DFA that long-term stabilisation can only be achieved if the so-called Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon is repected, Lebanon’s full sovereignty is established on its territory, and a solution to the Shebaa Farms issue is found.
The DFA welcomes the decision of the United Nations Security Council to reinforce the UN mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from 2,000 to 15,000 troops. Among other things, UNIFIL’s mandate will include supporting the Lebanese government station the 15,000 troops in the south of the country and along the Blue Line. However, UNIFIL can only be reinforced if a ceasefire is effectively implemented.
Switzerland will continue to provide financial support to UNIFIL within the framework of its assessed contributions to the UN. The question of whether Switzerland will be able to provide personnel can only be examined when the planning is completed and the exact conditions for participating in this mission are known. Missions abroad involving military personnel are decided by the Federal Council and the Swiss parliament in accordance with the Swiss Military Act.
Rapid and comprehensive implementation of the UN resolution will be decisive. The DFA appeals to all parties to contribute to its implementation and especially to halt the hostilities without delay. Today, the Lebanese Council of Ministers will meet today to consider the path to peace indicated by the Security Council. The Israeli cabinet will meet tomorrow on the same issue.
The adoption of the resolution is only a first step, however. The DFA hopes that it will form the basis for a lasting ceasefire and that both parties to the conflict will forgo further combat activities in compliance with the resolution.
Switzerland will continue to provide humanitarian aid to the civilian population and is willing contribute its part in the reconstruction of Lebanon.
The DFA is convinced that the long-term stability of the whole region can only be achieved if a solution to the overall the Arab-Israeli conflict is found. For this reason the DFA appeals to all parties to resume the dialogue on this issue as soon as possible.
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