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Varied international response to Israeli decision on Lebanon pullout
Lebanon, Politics, 4/2/1998
In the wake of the Israeli Cabinetıs decision to formally recognize UN Security Council 425 -- calling for an unconditional Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon, and to allow conditional implementation of the resolution based on Lebanese security commitments to Israel -- was received internationally as a good initial measure, but received a less positive Arab response.
The Arab League announced today its refusal of the conditional Israeli proposal, saying it carries bad intentions. Ambassador Ahmed Ben Hali the official dealing with the Lebanese situation at the Arab League, said Israel is trying to draw attention away from its obstinate policy, separate the Lebanese and Syrian peace tracks, and harming Lebanese national unity.
Lebanon has taken a firm position that 425 is non-negotiable and unconditional.
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said that the Israeli Cabinet's decision on 425 is, "a positive step" and called for Lebanese - Israeli talks. "I think some discussions between Israel and Lebanon on this, in order to assure that the northern border of Israel is indeed secure, is something that is a useful aspect of this," she said.
The French Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted that despite Israel's conditional offer, 425 calls for an unconditional pullback, saying, "Israel's recognition of resolution 425 was a step in the right direction, which was a positive sign. At the same time, we prompted that this resolution should be applied without condition or delay."
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's spokesman noted that Annan had "welcomed the implementation of all Security Council resolutions, including 425," during his recent visit to the Middle East.
Hali praised the Arab attitude toward the Israeli proposal, which he said confirms Arab support of Lebanon's efforts to exercise its sovereignty over all its territories.
Previous Stories:
Lebanon opposes conditional withdrawal: Hariri
(4/1/1998)
No peace in Middle East without Syria, Annan, Primakov say
(3/31/1998)
Khaddam: Israeli proposal on 425 is part of expansionist policy
(3/30/1998)
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