VZCZCXRO7711
RR RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHBW RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA
RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHPG #0306 1401555
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 191555Z MAY 08
FM AMEMBASSY PRAGUE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0326
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUEHDM/AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS 0124
RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT 0060
RUEHDE/AMCONSUL DUBAI 0016
UNCLAS PRAGUE 000306
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
NEA/ELA MIRWIN, EUR/ERA FOR JGIAUGQUE, EUR/NCE FOR
ATRATENSEK
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV LE SY IR EZ EUN
SUBJECT: CZECH REPUBLIC PUBLICLY PRAISES ARAB LEAGUE
ENGAGEMENT REGARDING LEBANON
REF: STATE 52061
1. (U) On May 14 the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs
released the following statement on the recent violence in
Lebanon.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
condemns the attempts to solve the constitutional crisis in
Lebanon in a violent way and appeals to all parties concerned
to immediately cease violence and refrain from further acts
of violence. In this critical period we appeal to all
parties involved to return to their dialogue in order to come
to a compromise. We fully support the efforts of the
government of Prime Minister Siniora to ensure security and
stability in the territory of Lebanon. The reopening of
Rafik Hariri International Airport and restoration of its
regular operation will as well undoubtedly help to ease the
situation.
We evaluate the active role played by the League of Arab
States and support its efforts leading to the solution of the
impasse in Lebanon. Its three-item plan should become the
starting point leading to the solution of the present crisis.
All the relevant resolutions adopted by the UN Security
Council must be fulfilled. First of all, the disarmament of
all militias, including Hezbollah, must be achieved in
Lebanon. We welcome the establishment of the Special
Tribunal for Lebanon in accordance with the UN Security
Council's Resolution 1757.
End of Czech Statement.
2. (SBU) While this statement addresses many of the issues
raised in Ref A, Embassy Prague still attempted to contacted
several key Czech MFA officials to discuss USG concerns
regarding the need to improve the bargaining position of the
Lebanese government, condemn violence, and address Hizballah.
Given the concurrent travel of key Czech officials, however,
post has only been able to convey these concerns to an
official within the Czech Middle East Department that does
not normally cover Lebanon. If and when post receives a
response to these specific concerns, post will provide an
update.
Graber