UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL
21 July 2006
The situation in the Middle East
Statement by H.E. the Hon Robert Hill
Ambassador and Permanent Representative
of Australia to the United Nations
(Check against delivery)
Australia is gravely concerned about the escalation in violence in the region which has already resulted in a large number of casualties. Australia extends its condolences to the Governments of Lebanon and Israel and to the families of all of those affected.
Australia recognises Israel’s right to act in self-defence. We call on both sides to exercise restraint, to avoid civilian deaths, to avoid damage to civilian infrastructure, and to refrain from acts which escalate an already dangerous situation.
We need to bear in mind who was responsible for the current crisis. It began with the attacks on Israel by Hamas and Hezbollah, including the capture of Israeli soldiers and the launching of rockets and mortar bombs into Israel. Australia condemns these actions and calls for the unconditional release of the hostages taken by Hamas and Hezbollah. We also call for an immediate end to the rocket attacks on Israel. These must be the first steps towards the resolution of the current conflict.
The Australian Government is extremely concerned with the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The Australian Government will provide AUD2 million through the ICRC for humanitarian assistance to Lebanon.
The Government is working to ensure the safe evacuation of Australians from Lebanon. We have about 25,000 people in Lebanon. We are extremely worried about the situation of Australians in southern Lebanon. We call on all parties to facilitate the safe evacuation of foreign nationals.
Our priority must be to create conditions for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire. This can only be achieved through the full implementation of UNSCRs 425, 426, 1559 and 1680, in particular those elements that address the disbanding and disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias, and the extension of the control of the Government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory. This means the disarming of Hezbollah and control by the Government of Lebanon of the area between Beirut and the Israeli border.
A long-term solution to the Middle East conflict must involve acceptance of Israel’s right to exist in peace and the need for the emergence of a Palestinian state.
Those countries in the region with influence over Hezbollah – Syria and Iran - should exercise that influence to prevent continuation of acts of violence. By arming and supporting these extremist groups, they are threatening the wider security of the Middle East.
Australia expresses support for on-going diplomatic initiatives, in particular the mission team despatched to the region by the UN Secretary General.
We note that the G8 would “welcome an examination by the UNSC of the possibility of an international security/monitoring presence”. In Australia’s view, any multilateral force must have a robust mandate to enable it to guarantee both Lebanese sovereignty and Israel’s security. This means the force would have to assist the Lebanese Government to exercise its sovereignty and prevent Hezbollah from repeating its actions that have precipitated the current crisis.