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Post by BadCompany on Aug 1, 2006 14:36:25 GMT -5
The old refrain of winning the hearts and minds is not working. Isn’t working? When was it tried?? The US gives Israel $2-3 billion a year in aid. The US gives Lebanon $40 million. For those of you keeping track at home, that’s over fifty times more money to Israel than to Lebanon. I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t seem like an overly concerted effort to win some hearts and minds, if you ask me. Actually, now that I think about it – it is working, only it’s Hezbollah and Hamas who are doing the winning…
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Aug 1, 2006 16:06:55 GMT -5
The old refrain of winning the hearts and minds is not working. Isn’t working? When was it tried?? The US gives Israel $2-3 billion a year in aid. The US gives Lebanon $40 million. For those of you keeping track at home, that’s over fifty times more money to Israel than to Lebanon. I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t seem like an overly concerted effort to win some hearts and minds, if you ask me. Actually, now that I think about it – it is working, only it’s Hezbollah and Hamas who are doing the winning… If anybody wants to win my heart and my mind, $40 million is a good start. $40 million or $3 billion; I don't think it will make a difference. Personally, I would stop all aid to all countries. I don't see much progress or much appreciation anywhere.
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Post by Skilly on Aug 1, 2006 18:06:44 GMT -5
The old refrain of winning the hearts and minds is not working. Isn’t working? When was it tried?? The US gives Israel $2-3 billion a year in aid. The US gives Lebanon $40 million. For those of you keeping track at home, that’s over fifty times more money to Israel than to Lebanon. I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t seem like an overly concerted effort to win some hearts and minds, if you ask me. Actually, now that I think about it – it is working, only it’s Hezbollah and Hamas who are doing the winning… Population of Israel 6,276,883 Population of Lebanon 3,826,018 So you are saying that the US should give Lebanon at least one billion a year? I like that math .. so how much should the US give Newfoundland, population 500,000? 125 million I guess using your math .... think we will get it? ;D
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 1, 2006 21:29:52 GMT -5
Isn’t working? When was it tried??Actually, now that I think about it – it is working, only it’s Hezbollah and Hamas who are doing the winning… Yup ...
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Post by BadCompany on Aug 2, 2006 11:15:12 GMT -5
If anybody wants to win my heart and my mind, $40 million is a good start. And if your neighbor was getting $3 billion? Perhaps your Mexican neighbor, who may or may not be in the country illegally? $40 million or $3 billion; I don't think it will make a difference. Personally, I would stop all aid to all countries. I don't see much progress or much appreciation anywhere. I beg to disagree. Before the invasion of Iraq, the two countries receiving the largest amount of US foreign aid were Israel, and… Egypt. One is a strong US ally, the second is the first, and for the longest time the ONLY Arab country to recognize Israel. And it’s also a US ally. You cannot tell me money does not buy love on the international scene.
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Post by Skilly on Aug 2, 2006 16:43:45 GMT -5
= I beg to disagree. Before the invasion of Iraq, the two countries receiving the largest amount of US foreign aid were Israel, and… Egypt. One is a strong US ally, the second is the first, and for the longest time the ONLY Arab country to recognize Israel. And it’s also a US ally. You cannot tell me money does not buy love on the international scene. Yeah I see the point, and agree. But a big part of me hates to see Canadian dollars going to countries when we have 15% unemplyment is Newfoundland, 12% in Quebec .... the average is around 7% I think. 500,000 people are homeless in Canada (2%?). Indigenous people are living in squalor. Single mothers are living near the poverty line. ETC ETC It is great to help others, yes I whole heartily agree .... but then we neglect the problems at home too. It was just last year that we told all countries that owed us money from foreign aid that we will not require them to pay back the money they owed. It was one of the Liberals last "accomplishments" in office. Then it was less than a month later Bono was b*tching about Canada should raise the amount of foreign aid they give countries .... now that is friggin gratitude for you. How many other countries wrote off the debts they were owed? I lost alot of respect for Bono and "his cause" after that. Why? Because it was then that I realized that no matter how much we gave to third world countries or countries in need, it is never going to be enough for Bono-types of the world. Foreign aid is based on a percentage of GDP. The Canadian GDP last year was 60.6 billion dollars, and we gave 0.28 percent of our GDP to foreign aid. (Bono wants us to increase that to 0.7-1.0 percent). That equated to 169.7 million dollars. Money that wasn't paid on our debt, tax payers money. I realize we had a huge surplus in recent years but we also have an abundance of problems at home .... *cough* fiscal imbalance *cough*
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Post by Cranky on Aug 3, 2006 23:59:22 GMT -5
The IDF is trying to crush the foundations of assymetrical warfare. Callous as it sounds, I wouldn't care if Hezbollah did it from their own "country" but they are dragging the rest of Lebanon down with them. I can see it now, there is nothing but ruble and corpses and one Hezbonut standing. He will still declare victory. *sigh* BTW, did anyone notice that Nesrallah wants to go for broke? Yesterday he declared that he will destroy Israel if they launched attacks on central Beirut. Other then a couple of targets, the IDF havn't touched central Beirut and NOT interested in touching it because it's mainly Christian and Sunni. Today he is claiming that his heroic words saved central Beirut. Then he threatened to attack TelAviv and the Israelis responded by leveling even more Hezbollah controlled territory. Can somebody PLEASE put this monkey our of his misery and give the IDF a concious!
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 18, 2006 6:47:13 GMT -5
I'm surprised the UN could come up with an interim force so quickly. And equally surprised that the Israelis are buying into the 15,000 Lebanese force (good thing though as it's their country).
However, Hezbollah is still intact, as much as 80% intact according to Gwynne Dyer (haven't seen it on his web site yet but read the article in the Kingston paper a few days ago).
UN force taking shape as Lebanese troops move south Last Updated Fri, 18 Aug 2006 06:22:13 EDT CBC News
Lebanese troops continue to deploy in southern Lebanon on Friday, reaching areas the army has not controlled in decades, while international efforts continued to create an expanded UN peace force for the region.
The Lebanese army reached the village of Kfar Kila on the southern border with Israel. It was the first time the military has been in the area in decades.
The area was controlled by Palestinian fighters in the 1970s and by Hezbollah since Israeli troops withdrew from the area in 2000.
"We are all very happy," Lebanese Brig.-Gen. Charles Sheikhani said. "It's our country and this is the first time we've really been in south Lebanon."
The Israeli military began handing over positions to the United Nations early Thursday. More than half of the area held by Israel in Lebanon had reportedly been transferred to UN peacekeeping forces.
In Rome, meanwhile, Italy approved sending soldiers to help maintain the five-day-old ceasefire.
The Italian troop contingent could number up to 3,000 troops, which would make it one of the biggest contributors to the force.
Bangladesh's offer Thursday of 2,000 troops makes it the biggest contributor so far. Other countries offering to send in troops include Malaysia, Nepal, Brunei, and Indonesia.
French President Jacques Chirac said Thursday afternoon his country would send 400 troops and offered to command the beefed-up UN peacekeeping force.
But Lebanon's Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh expressed unhappiness with officials in Paris. "We are expecting more from France," he said.
United Nations officials also communicated their disappointment with France. "We had hoped, we make no secret of it, that there would be a stronger French contribution," Mark Malloch Brown, the UN deputy secretary general, said.
"Others have come forward and we are pretty convinced we've got the elements here of a strong force."
The UN hopes that, within 10 to days, 3,500 international troops can reinforce a contingent that is already in place on the ground.
I think the French could do more when you look at what Bangladesh is contributing. They (the French) and the Italians were to comprise the original core of the force.
BC, I don't think we'll see the size of force you suggested. But, it will be interesting to see how many other countries contribute nonetheless. If a lot of countries do just a little bit it should make a big difference.
Cheers.
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Post by franko on Aug 18, 2006 7:57:54 GMT -5
While I'm disappointed with the French commitment, it is to be expected, no? Lebanon -- a former colony -- shook off the yoke of French imperialism and now must stand on its own.
Perhaps I am reading too much into it . . . but big words from France led to little invovlement. 400 troops? That was only after the international community lambasted them for their initial commitment, and their response was to "double what they had initially promised".
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Aug 18, 2006 8:42:49 GMT -5
While I'm disappointed with the French commitment, it is to be expected, no? Lebanon -- a former colony -- shook off the yoke of French imperialism and now must stand on its own. Perhaps I am reading too much into it . . . but big words from France led to little invovlement. 400 troops? That was only after the international community lambasted them for their initial commitment, and their response was to "double what they had initially promised". As Jay Leno said; Landis was easy to spot. He had more testosterone in his urine than all of the people in France combined.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 22, 2006 19:51:06 GMT -5
I guess the mandate for UNFIL hasn't changed. While the force will be bolstered by other nations, it will still come under a Chapter 6 deployment or peacekeeping mission. Troops on hold if Israel violates ceasefire, Italy says Last Updated Tue, 22 Aug 2006 14:34:06 EDT CBC News
Italy's plans to send 2,000 to 3,000 troops to the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon could be put on hold if Israel does not respect the UN-brokered ceasefire, Italy's foreign minster said Tuesday.
"From Israel, we expect a renewed effort, this time truly binding, to respect the ceasefire," Massimo D'Alema told La Repubblica newspaper.
D'Alema said that Italy, which has been asked by Israel to lead the force, would not be able to send troops if Israel "keeps shooting."
"It's fair to expect that Hezbollah put down their weapons, but we cannot send our troops to Lebanon if the [Israeli] army keeps shooting," he said.Please see the rest of the storyThe article specifically refers to a UN peacekeeping mission in the very first sentence. And if the Italian response is any indication, they won't be going in with guns blazing either. As consistent with any Chapter 6 deployment the rules of engagement only allow for the use of armed force when protecting any member of the formation or civilians. The article goes on to say that the total force will be 15,000 Lebanese troops in addition to another 15,000 from the UN. Only last week France has pledged 400 troops but that has since dwindled to 200. Wonder if they still insist on running this show? There was also a substantial UN force that initially went into the Balkans as well. That mission was a Chapter 6 also I think and it failed to the point where NATO was brought in to sort it out. MTF I'm sure. Cheers.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 24, 2006 7:14:50 GMT -5
This is what's wrong with the UN way of doing business. It's a familiar pattern that sees countries waffle over whether they should or shouldn't contribute. As a result it might be approximately two months before the majority of troops get on the ground. Nothing has changed here. Reluctant Europeans ponder role in Lebanon Last Updated Wed, 23 Aug 2006 09:38:49 EDT CBC News
Amid a shortage of volunteers, European Union officials met in Brussels on Wednesday to hammer out details of a peacekeeping contingent for southern Lebanon.
The gathering of senior foreign and defence ministry officials from the 25 EU nations is trying to determine which countries are willing to contribute troops — and in what numbers — to a proposed 15,000-strong United Nations peacekeeping force.
It comes in advance of a meeting scheduled for Friday in which UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is expected to press EU foreign ministers for help in enforcing the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Diplomats said Wednesday's talks were unlikely to produce a breakthrough but some nations may come forward with at least tentative offers of more troops, the Associated Press reported.
Italy has tentatively agreed to lead an international force and has offered 3,000 troops. Other European nations considering contributions include the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Belgium, Norway and Poland.
Rules of engagement in the works
Wednesday's meeting took place as diplomats at UN headquarters in New York continued work on rules of engagement for the peacekeeping force.
Those rules are expected to allow peacekeepers to open fire in self-defence, protect civilians and back up the Lebanese army in preventing foreign forces or arms from crossing the border.
It was not clear if the draft would satisfy European nations concerned that their troops could get caught in crossfire between Israel and Hezbollah or forced into a confrontation with either side.
Meanwhile, the deaths continue even though hostilities are largely suspended.The rest. This is an excellent chance for the EU to prove their quick reaction battle group concept. But again countries simply won't commit to an immediate hard decision. Cheers.
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Post by BadCompany on Aug 24, 2006 9:29:57 GMT -5
Bribes.
You got to give these countries a reason.
The US has more military hardware than the rest of the world combined, and given that their military budget is about a million times greater than the rest of the world, this isn't going to change anytime soon.
If they started dangling equipment, weapons, and training, why I bet you'd get a sizable force in no time. Like I said earlier, there is no doubts in my mind Canada would contribute a few thousand soldiers, if it meant the US gave them a cargo plane or two in return... Pass out a few obsolete Destroyers (obsolete by US Navy standards), and you'd probably have several hundred thousand troops in no time.
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Post by franko on Aug 24, 2006 10:03:20 GMT -5
If they started dangling equipment, weapons, and training, why I bet you'd get a sizable force in no time. Like I said earlier, there is no doubts in my mind Canada would contribute a few thousand soldiers, if it meant the US gave them a cargo plane or two in return... Pass out a few obsolete Destroyers (obsolete by US Navy standards), and you'd probably have several hundred thousand troops in no time. I like your reasoning, but in Canada's case, wehere would the troops come from? We're already re-redeploying troups to Afghanistan! Impressed with Italy's invovlement, but France should be embarrassed! But then again, maybe they have to keep the troups at home to quell the riots.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 24, 2006 10:31:15 GMT -5
Bribes. You got to give these countries a reason. The US has more military hardware than the rest of the world combined, and given that their military budget is about a million times greater than the rest of the world, this isn't going to change anytime soon. If they started dangling equipment, weapons, and training, why I bet you'd get a sizable force in no time. Like I said earlier, there is no doubts in my mind Canada would contribute a few thousand soldiers, if it meant the US gave them a cargo plane or two in return... Pass out a few obsolete Destroyers (obsolete by US Navy standards), and you'd probably have several hundred thousand troops in no time. Could be, BC. But, I think the rules of engagement might have to be reviewed as well. It's a very prudent move to outfit militaries with the best equipment they need to get the job done, but if the ROEs prevent their usage, then even having the equipment won't make a difference. The UN simply has to have a force that is ready to go. Countries would assume responsibilities on a rotational basis. However, the plans for one were in the making in the mid-90's. It was after the Canadian Brigade (4 CMBG) was disbanded and the concept of a European-based quick-reaction battle group comprising of some 3,500 military personnel. It would be a multi-national force that would have included a Canadian force ranging anywhere from 500 to 1,000 personnel. While it wasn't based on a rotational concept, the overall concept had good intentions. However, it never got past the idea stage as far as I know. And now the EU has the opportunity to pick up the ball on this rotational concept. But everyone seems to be waffling right now. Cheers.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 24, 2006 11:23:12 GMT -5
Well, well ... what were we discussing just a few posts ago? This latest statement suggests the bulk of any peacekeeping force will take one to two months, or more, to get into place.
And, of course, Syria has to say something. The Syrians are actually welcomed in Lebanon and I think Bashar al-Assad knows this. Maybe he's hoping to manipulate what countries comprise the force. Odd, since he never had a problem with the composition of UNIFIL prior to this.
UN troop deployment a hostile move, Syria says Last Updated Thu, 24 Aug 2006 10:59:50 EDT CBC News
Syria has warned it could close its borders with Lebanon if a United Nations force is deployed to the region, a move a top European Union official said Thursday could happen within the week.
Finland, which holds the EU presidency, said it hopes initial troops will arrive in Lebanon by the end of the month.
"We would like to see the first reinforcements arrive within a week, if possible," said Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja. "But we all know that the full force cannot be there until one or two months or even more."
EU countries have offered to provide the bulk of the 15,000-person force, which will work with a Lebanese force of roughly the same size.
Syrian President Bashar Assad told Dubai television Wednesday that he would view a deployment of UN troops in the Syria-Lebanon border region as a hostile move.
The move, he added, would create problems between Syria and Lebanon, but didn't give any further details.
Lebanon wants access reopened
His comments put Lebanon in a difficult situation, because Lebanese officials urgently want to reopen access to their country following 34 days of conflict between the militant group Hezbollah and Israel.
Israel has said it will end its sea and air blockade of Lebanon when an international peacekeeping force is sent to the region, a measure spelled out by the UN resolution ending the conflict.
The UN's bid to drum up support for a force to complement the Lebanese army has proved difficult. About 2,000 UN soldiers already serve in Lebanon with a force called UNIFIL, but few nations appear willing to make up the additional 13,000 the UN wants to send.
Italy has offered to send 3,000 troops and to take command of the force when its mandate is clearly defined by the UN. Many countries are worried they will get involved in a conflict without an adequate mandate to defend themselves.
Tuomioja wouldn't speculate on numbers, but said he expects to know more about the force following Friday's meeting.
"Tomorrow's meeting will be very important, again, for the credibility of the European Union," he said. "I think we should have a clear commitment tomorrow."
The last paragraph sums up what we've been discussing too, guys. The EU has a golden opportunity to prove their military concept. I really hope they can get this off the ground. But, that timeframe is totally unacceptable especially if you're local Lebanese.
Cheers.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 24, 2006 14:25:31 GMT -5
Well, here's progress I guess. It's a start though. France offers 1,600 more troops to UN force Last Updated Thu, 24 Aug 2006 15:03:48 EDT CBC News
France boosted its contribution to a United Nations peacekeeping force for Lebanon on Thursday, hours after a top European Union official said he wants fresh troops there by next week.
French President Jacques Chirac announced an extra 1,600 soldiers, bringing his country's total contribution to 2,000 troops. France also offered to command the force.
Lebanon's former colonial ruler, France had been criticized for leading the call for an international force to end fighting between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants — then offering only 400 troops.
Chirac, who made the announcement during a televised address to the nation on Thursday, said he changed his mind after he was assured the UN force would be able to defend itself if attacked.
"Two thousand French troops will thus be placed under the United Nations in Lebanon. France is ready, if the United Nations wishes, to continue commanding this force," he said.Please see advanced parties on the ground in week. I hope they also consider reviewing the ROEs as well. Syria is still talking tough. Cheers.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 25, 2006 7:07:28 GMT -5
Belgium is following suit now. Good to see. Belgium to make Lebanon troop announcement Last Updated Fri, 25 Aug 2006 07:41:54 EDT CBC News
A day after France increased its contribution to an international peacekeeping force in Lebanon, Belgium is set to announce a substantial offer of troops.
Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt is expected to make the announcement later Friday, the same day the 25 European Union foreign ministers hold an emergency meeting on Lebanon.
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan will also attend the Brussels gathering, which is expected to discuss the size of the force.
A UN resolution ending the 34-day conflict between Israel and the Lebanese-based militant organization Hezbollah called for an international force to be deployed to Lebanon.
Israel has said it will end its sea and air blockade of its northern neighbour when the force of 15,000 joins a Lebanese army force of roughly the same size in patrolling southern Lebanon.Please see French advanced party arrives in Lebanon. The 170-man French unit are military engineers and have expertise in heavy equipment operation as well as defusing unexploded ordinance. And according to this article the total French contribution will be 2,000. Not sure what's on the German plate these days but they've declined offering troops. However, they are offering naval support. Cheers.
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Post by Manton on Aug 25, 2006 8:44:55 GMT -5
I have no confidence in the French or the other so-called European allies. It's Israel and the U.S. on their own as far as I am concerned. The French undermined the U.S. in the original resolution to disarm the Hezbos. The French softened the conditions.
Kudos though to Blair and especially Australia for their support on the war on terror. The Austrailian govermnent is great and they certainly don't hold back on their comments about the Islamic Facists.
Lebabnon is complicit with the Hezbos..they can't manage their own country because they choose not to.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 25, 2006 10:05:03 GMT -5
I have no confidence in the French or the other so-called European allies. It's Israel and the U.S. on their own as far as I am concerned. The French undermined the U.S. in the original resolution to disarm the Hezbos. The French softened the conditions. Hi manton, The French aren't winning any allies anywhere these days. The commander of UNIFIL is, French Maj. Gen. Alain Pellegrini, but I get the impression that there are those who really don't want the French calling the shots for this mission. Here's a cut and paste from CNN:"Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi's office said both the Lebanese and Israeli governments had contacted Rome about taking a leadership role in the U.N. force."The article goes on to say that the French felt underminded by this. However, there's a lot more in the article as well. Apparently some members of this Lebanese force actually have relatives fighting for Hezbollah. Once I find the link I'll post it. As far as government goes, well, having a known terroist organization with seats in your government house never goes over well. As we were discussing earlier in the thread, the Lebanese elected Hamas into government because they felt the old party wasn't looking after their needs very well. And Hamas was pretty much caught off guard not expecting a victory. They were scrambling some reports suggest. Cheers.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Aug 25, 2006 16:00:44 GMT -5
I know that if I was leading Israels army, I would object to parades of Hezbolah on cars with terrorists holding up AK47's like Stanley Cups. I don't think the fat lady has sung yet!
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 27, 2006 9:19:35 GMT -5
Well, Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora is publicly stating the obvious in this interview: Government control over Lebanon has weakened: Siniora Last Updated Sat, 26 Aug 2006 08:27:25 EDT CBC News
The authority of the Lebanese government over some parts of the country became "very insignificant" over the past three decades, Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora says.
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora addressed a number of issues in an exclusive interview with CBC's Nahlah Ayed. (CBC) Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora addressed a number of issues in an exclusive interview with CBC's Nahlah Ayed. (CBC)
In an exclusive interview with CBC News airing Friday, the prime minister also suggested that the government should seek ways to bring some members of the militant group Hezbollah into the Lebanese army.
Siniora didn't directly address the question of whether Hezbollah was running the country, saying instead that developments over the past three decades have "weakened" the state.
"Its authority over the various parts and various activities of the country, again in certain aspects, became very insignificant," he said.
South Lebanon has been widely considered to be under Hezbollah control for several years.
Siniora stressed that the state should become the sole authority and that only the Lebanese army, internal security and the international force carry weapons.
The UN resolution ending the 34-day conflict between Israel and Hezbollah called for a 15,000-member international force to be deployed in Lebanon and be joined with 15,000 Lebanese troops.
'It's not a matter of disarming'
But asked whether Hezbollah should be disarmed, Siniora said the word disarmed is "not at all the right word."
He said that it will be "through dialogue, through co-operation," with Hezbollah that the goal of no weapons in the region is achieved.
"It's not a matter of disarming. It's through dialogue that we have to reach that point. And I think this can be achieved while at the same time you see, trying to find out how to integrate the numbers of Hezbollah that want to really get integrated within the Lebanese army," he said.
Siniora also said the Lebanese army is "definitely entitled" to prevent the movement of weapons from other countries into Lebanon, but suggested it won't act aggressively.
"But I mean, it's not there to use force. Let's make it very clear it's not there to use force, but if it has to use force to protect itself and to stop any infringement on the law, then definitely, this is the army and it has to do so.
"But it's different being there to go and use force, or being there to defend law and order and to stop any infringement of the law. That's something else."The storyIt wasn't until too long ago that Syria had thousands of troops stationed in Southern Lebanon. I know Lebanon welcomed Syrian support, but on the surface at least, Syria has been regarding Lebanon as the province it once was. Cheers.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 28, 2006 14:30:51 GMT -5
Annan is getting more directly involved now. Hand over captured Israeli soldiers, Annan urges in Lebanon Last Updated Mon, 28 Aug 2006 12:37:14 EDT CBC News
UN chief Kofi Annan told Lebanese cabinet ministers Monday he wants two Israeli soldiers who were captured by Hezbollah in July to be handed over to Lebanon's government or to the Red Cross.
U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan talks at a joint press conference with Lebanon's Prime Minister Fouad Siniora at the Government House in Beirut on Monday. (Hussein Malla/Associated Press) "We, the UN, will be prepared to play a role if we are required to do so. And I offer our services," the United Nations secretary general said after meeting with Lebanon's cabinet in Beirut.
Annan was starting a two-day visit to Lebanon meant to get progress on a UN-brokered ceasefire that recently ended 34 days of conflict between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants.
"We have a chance now to have a long-term ceasefire and a long-term peace and we all need to work together," said Annan, who also held meetings with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, who negotiates on behalf of Hezbollah, and other ministers.
The conflict was sparked by the capture of the two soldiers on July 12, during a cross-border raid by Hezbollah.
The ceasefire, which kicked in on Aug. 14, largely brought an end to weeks of Israeli air strikes that killed hundreds of people in Lebanon and to hundreds of rocket attacks by Hezbollah that left several dozen people dead in northern Israel.
Israel's air, sea blockade tops agenda
However, Israel has continued an air and sea blockade of Lebanon — and that was the main topic of discussion during Annan's meeting with Siniora.
Siniora led Annan on a tour of Beirut's southern suburbs, an area ravaged by Israeli air strikes during the conflict. Hundreds of Lebanese shouted pro-Hezbollah slogans and booed him as he toured the rubble-strewn streets. The crowd mobbed Annan's heavily guarded motorcade and security agents ran along both sides of the vehicles.
Annan urged Israel to lift the blockade, which has prevented tanker ships from docking and caused a gas shortage in Beirut.
Israel has said it will end the blockade when the international peacekeeping force specified in the ceasefire agreement is in place in southern Lebanon and the soldiers are freed.
"So long as this issue with the two soldiers is not solved, the whole thing is of little significance," said Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni from Germany. After the meeting, Siniora said he was hopeful there would be progress.
"We expect good to come out of these talks," he said. "On lifting the blockade, this thing is going to happen, God willing, but not within 24 hours."
Annan is also expected to visit Israel, Syria and Iran during his trip.
Italy formally commits troops
Annan's visit came on the same day that Italy's government formally approved participation in the UN force, which is expected to number roughly 15,000. Italy is to send up to 2,500 soldiers, making it one of the largest contributors to the force.
European Union leaders agreed on Aug. 25 to supply almost half of the soldiers needed to patrol Lebanon's southern region. Some of the first troops could arrive within the week.
Also Monday, Turkey's cabinet voted to send peacekeepers to Lebanon, becoming the only Muslim country that has relations with Israel to propose deploying troops.
Annan's visit comes a day after Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah said that if the militant group had to do it all over again, it would not have seized the two Israeli soldiers.
"You ask me, if I had known on July 11 … that the operation would lead to such a war, would I do it? I say: No, absolutely not," said Nasrallah, who spoke Sunday night on Lebanon's New TV.HA, note the statement in the last paragraph. This Sheik is expressing remorse once again. I feel if he has any real sencerity he'll release the captured soldiers. Have to wait and see I guess. The link. BTW, Israel has purchased three Dolphin Class submarines from Germany not too long ago. They've also apparently modified some of the nuclear weapons purchased off the Americans so as to launch them from these subs. Naval blockade or no, the Israelis aren't screwing around. Cheers.
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Post by franko on Aug 28, 2006 15:34:21 GMT -5
Annan is getting more directly involved now. Hand over captured Israeli soldiers, Annan urges in Lebanon
UN chief Kofi Annan told Lebanese cabinet ministers Monday he wants two Israeli soldiers who were captured by Hezbollah in July to be handed over to Lebanon's government or to the Red Cross.
And if he'd said something July 10th . . . what a mess. Dis: was at the War Museum for the first time today (shame on me, I know) -- what an exhibition. Should be required attendance for every Canadian -- no, every person. Kind of wakes a person up even more than CNN/CBC news does to the garbage so-called civilized man puts his brother/neighbour through.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Aug 28, 2006 21:08:25 GMT -5
Well, here's progress I guess. It's a start though. France offers 1,600 more troops to UN force Last Updated Thu, 24 Aug 2006 15:03:48 EDT CBC News
France boosted its contribution to a United Nations peacekeeping force for Lebanon on Thursday, hours after a top European Union official said he wants fresh troops there by next week.
French President Jacques Chirac announced an extra 1,600 soldiers, bringing his country's total contribution to 2,000 troops. France also offered to command the force.
Lebanon's former colonial ruler, France had been criticized for leading the call for an international force to end fighting between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants — then offering only 400 troops.
Chirac, who made the announcement during a televised address to the nation on Thursday, said he changed his mind after he was assured the UN force would be able to defend itself if attacked.
"Two thousand French troops will thus be placed under the United Nations in Lebanon. France is ready, if the United Nations wishes, to continue commanding this force," he said.Please see advanced parties on the ground in week. I hope they also consider reviewing the ROEs as well. Syria is still talking tough. Cheers. France will be sending 2,000 troops as soon as they can be equipped with 2,000 white flags.
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Post by Skilly on Aug 29, 2006 7:04:56 GMT -5
France will be sending 2,000 troops as soon as they can be equipped with 2,000 white flags. I didn't know Paul Tracy lives in Los Angeles .... ohh wait ... is that you Sean Avery?
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Sept 14, 2006 11:33:06 GMT -5
However, IMHO, the Israelis can be blamed for deliberately targeting the UN outpost. They deliberately targeted the whole structure not only with artillery but with laser-guided bombs as well. One of them hit the safety bunker itself and when you think these munitions can be pinpointed to windows and doors .... well .... then why couldn't they target the Hezbollah rocket launchers just as easily? As for the four UN observers, it's not whether or not they should have been there in the first place, IMHO. They've been there since '78. The Israelis knew that if given the orders professional soldiers will not leave. I think the outpost was clearly marked and well-known not only to the Israelis but to every force that has served there over the years; Lebanese notwithstanding. Cheers. The predictable response: UN post bombing a tragic mistake, says Israeli report
Last Updated Thu, 14 Sep 2006 11:26:08 EDT CBC News[/b] An internal Israeli military report concludes an air strike on a United Nations observer post in Lebanon that killed four peacekeepers, including a Canadian, was a tragic accident, CBC News has learned. A briefing on an Israeli Defence Forces report, obtained by CBC News, said the strike that killed Canadian Maj. Paeta Hess-von Kruedener and three others happened because Israeli ground forces were using an incorrect map. The strike took place during a 34-day battle in July and August involving Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Lebanon-based Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel. The report says Hezbollah fighters were active in the area around the UN post and that the bodies of 17 Hezbollah fighters were later discovered. Hess-von Kruedener, 43, serving with the UN Truce Supervision Organization in the Khiyam area of southern Lebanon when an Israeli air strike hit a marked UN post on July 25. The attack also killed UN observers from Austria, China and Finland. More to come[/i] CBC reportsTragic mistake? More lip service me thinks. They got 17 Hezbollah fighters, granted. But, if they had munitions that could pinpoint a door on a bunker, I think they'd be able to pinpoint a launcher.
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