Source: http://www.un.int/usa/07_171.htm http://www.un.int/usa/07_171.htm
Date: July 18, 2007
USUN PRESS RELEASE #  171(07)   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Remarks by Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Permanent Representative, on Lebanon at the Security Council Stakeout, July 18, 2007

Ambassador Khalilzad: Hello, how are you? Good morning. 

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Reporter: On Lebanon, Mr. Ambassador, Lebanon, we want to know about (inaudible)

Ambassador Khalilzad: Well, we used the opportunity of the discussion with regard to Lebanon to send a number of messages. One is that we condemn in the strongest possible terms the attack on the United Nation’s UNIFIL forces in which six Spaniards were killed and were encouraged by Undersecretary Guéhenno’s statement that UNIFIL will not be deterred from carrying out its mission because of these terrorist attacks. Two, we also made it clear that we condemn all efforts to destabilize Lebanon and expressed particular concern with regards to the arms transfers that are taking place, particularly across the Syrian border. And third, we sent a message loud and clear that we support the Lebanese government and efforts to reach not only an internal understanding in Lebanon but also in terms of a permanent ceasefire with Israel and in terms of the role of and responsibility that Lebanon has internally and the negative role that Syria and Iran are playing and called on them to cease and desist from their negative activities.

Reporter: Mr. Ambassador, can we have a comment on the latest offer for example by the Secretary-general to facilitate any talks between Israel and Syria and also on the Syrian president’s latest speech saying he will not attend to any negotiation without a prior commitment from Israel for the full return of the Golan heights, can we have some comments on that?

Ambassador Khalilzad: Well, as you know, that President Bush announced his new initiative the day before yesterday and the Secretary-general was in Washington yesterday and the issue of the role of the UN in relation to that initiative was discussed. The Secretary-general welcomed this new initiative and it pushes or puts us to move in the right direction not only with regard to the Palestinian issue but all other issues, although the Palestinian issue being the key issue.

Reporter: Sorry, sir, you mentioned the arms smuggling, you mentioned various concerns about Lebanon, what about the Israeli air violations sir and the cluster bombs problem that’s also in the report as referred to by the Secretary-general?

Ambassador Khalilzad: Well, I did say that all efforts at destabilization of Lebanon, we are against, and I mentioned that. But there is clear evidence that with regard to arms transfers, two terrorist groups, there is evidence of preparations by groups such as Fatah al Islam, that are getting arms, preparations by groups such as Palestine Front for Liberation (PFLP) general command, that is also carrying out some preparations for attack. There are arms coming in for Hezbollah. So all neighbors need to behave in a way that is supportive of Lebanon’s stability and respect Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity and the legitimacy of the democratically elected Lebanese government. Thank you.