For the complete report go to International Herald Tribune or click on this link
EU divisions harden on Lebanon options - by Judy Dempsey
srael's airstrike on the Lebanese village of Qana, which killed dozens of people, including many children, appears to have cemented the divisions in Europe between countries led by France, which wants an immediate cease-fire, and Britain, which is standing by the United States as it calls for a truce only when it is sustainable. In France, President Jacques Chirac said he condemned "this unjustified action, which demonstrates more than ever the need for an immediate cease- fire without which there will only by other such incidents." The divisions are expected to sharpen Tuesday when foreign ministers of European Union member countries hold an emergency meeting. There is growing skepticism among Europeans about supporting a multi-national peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon unless there is a durable cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah.
France has already drawn up a draft UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire to prepare for the deployment of an international force. France, which has close cultural and political ties with Lebanon, is expected to play a major role in any peacekeeping force, but only under a strong mandate and with support from countries in the region.
No comments:
Post a Comment