Letters from Gov' re recent Lebanon/Israel conflict
pirate | 18.11.2006 15:58 | Anti-militarism | Education | Social Struggles | World
Two letters from Foreign office in reply to an Amnesy Intl letter (sent end Aug) regarding the investigations of war-crimes during the recent conflct...
Replies received from the Foreign Office regarding an Amnesty Intl letter -end Aug, regarding the war crimes in Lebanon/Israel war.
(Pls have a sick bag ready)....
Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Arab/Israel North Africa Group. London Sw1A 2AH.
07 November 2006.
Dear Mr
Thank you for your letter about the situation in Middle East. Your correspondance has been passed to me to answer.
The government shares your concern about the situation in Lebanon. It continues to be among our top foreigh policy concerns.
The governments of Israel and Lebanon have obligations to respect the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and to ensure respect by their populations. Credible allegations of war-crimes should be properly investigated by those who have access to the facts. The Interntaional ommittee of the Red cross (ICRC) has eminded both parties to the confluict of their obligation to respect the rules of war as enshrined in intenational humanitaria law, in particular, tose applicable to the civilian population. The UN and other bodies are also seking to conduct inquiries.
We strongly welcome the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1701 on 11 August. Its objectives are clear: to bring about a full cessation of hostilities; to create the space for an urgent humanitarian relief effort; and to begin a process leading to a permanant ceasefire and a durable peace. This last point is crucial. We needed a resolution that looked beyond the short-term and held out the prospect of a lasting solution. That meant agreeing a text which took proper account of the positions of the sovereign and elected governments of both Lebanon and Israel. That was not straightforward, and took time and effort. But we believe firmly that it was the right thing to do.
Since the adoption of UNSCR 1701 following a period of intense diplomatic activity, in which the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary were both heavilly engaed, the Government has been focused on turning the cesation of hostilities between Israel and Hizbollah into a durable cease-fire and a long-term solution. We have also been working hard with key partners to re-energise the Middle-East Peace Process, an issue of vital importance to the region and wider world. The Prime Minister visited Lebanon (the first ever visit by a British PM), Israel and the Occupied Territories from 9-11 September and the Foreign Secretary visted Egypt from 7-9 September.
As the Prime Minister said during his visit to Lebanon, we must ensure full implementation of UNSRC 1701 to support the Lebanese people's desire for a stable, prosperous and democratic future for Lebanon. Following the cease-fire, one of our immediate priorities has been to address the humanitarian and reconstruction situation in Lebanon. Most of the Lebanese displaced population have now been able to return home or are on their way home. Food and other essentials are now available. A worsened humanitarian crisis has been averted. After intensive efforts by the UK and other international partners, Israel announced the lifting of its blockade on Lebanon on 7 September. But life in Lebanon remains difficult for many.
The UK continues to play its part in the humanitarian and recovery efforts. The UK will contribute a total of over £40 million to Lebanon, including £22.3 million for humanitarian assistance and early recovery projects. We have committed over £1.5 million to clear spent and unexploded munitions. Our funds will also contribute towards emergency bridges to help open critical humanitarian supply routes to those isolated in southerrn Lebanon. Construction of the first prefabricated bridges provided by the UK began on 13 September. Up to five more should be complete by mid-October.
The other immediate priority has been to stabilise the peace. Urgent work has been undertaken to strengthen the UN force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), in order to carry out the range of important new tasks set out in UNSCR 1701.
During his visit to Lebanon, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of Security Sector Reform (SSR). The Lebanese armed forces have a crucial role in the country and the UK has set aside £2.5 million to support efforts to ensure that the Lebanese authorities take control of all parts of Lebanon. We will work with the Lebanese government and with other donors, to identify training and equipment and any other help that we can give. We must also work to address the underlying route causes of this conflict. This means strengthening the ability of the democratically-elected Lebanese Govermment to be in sole charge of Lebanon, and ensuring that militias, supported and supplied from outside Lebanon, can never again plunge the region into crisis.
Further information about our policies towards the Middle East can be found on our website.
Yours sincerely. Duncan Johns. Arab/Israel North Africa Group, Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
--------------------------------------------------------
Previous Reply I received from Foreign Secretary Margaret (Bride of Frankenstein*) Beckett, via my MP-Michael Howard, to an Amnesty Intl letter on war crimes during Israel/ Lebanon conflict. ( NOTE: received on 17 OCT 2007 !)
Vacuous as ever, and the last line gave me a hollow laugh since the UK should be under investigation anyway !
* Well just remind yourself of Elsa Lanchester in the 1930's film (side view esp !!)
Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London SW1A 2AH. 18 Sept 2006.
Dear Michael (Howard)
Thank you for your letter of 4 Sept on behalf of your constituent Mr of............... Folkestone., about the possibility of war crimes being committed in Lebanon.
On 18 July EU Foreign Ministers said they recognised Israel's legitamate right to seaf-defence but urged Israel to exercise utmost restraint and not to resort to any disproportionate action. The Government and the EU have consistantly urged all parties to do everything possible to protect civilian populations and to refrain from actions in violation of international humanitarian law.
The governments of Israel & Lebanon have obligations to respect the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and to ensure respect by their populations. Credible allegations of war crimes should be properly investigated by those who have access to the facts. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reminded both parties to the conflict of thier obligation to respect the rules of war as enshrined in international humanitarian law, in partiular, those applicable to the civilian population. The UN and other bodies are also seeking to conduct inquiries.
The UK is not in a position to conduct an investigation.
Sincerely. Margaret Beckett.
--------------------------------
(Pls have a sick bag ready)....
Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Arab/Israel North Africa Group. London Sw1A 2AH.
07 November 2006.
Dear Mr
Thank you for your letter about the situation in Middle East. Your correspondance has been passed to me to answer.
The government shares your concern about the situation in Lebanon. It continues to be among our top foreigh policy concerns.
The governments of Israel and Lebanon have obligations to respect the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and to ensure respect by their populations. Credible allegations of war-crimes should be properly investigated by those who have access to the facts. The Interntaional ommittee of the Red cross (ICRC) has eminded both parties to the confluict of their obligation to respect the rules of war as enshrined in intenational humanitaria law, in particular, tose applicable to the civilian population. The UN and other bodies are also seking to conduct inquiries.
We strongly welcome the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1701 on 11 August. Its objectives are clear: to bring about a full cessation of hostilities; to create the space for an urgent humanitarian relief effort; and to begin a process leading to a permanant ceasefire and a durable peace. This last point is crucial. We needed a resolution that looked beyond the short-term and held out the prospect of a lasting solution. That meant agreeing a text which took proper account of the positions of the sovereign and elected governments of both Lebanon and Israel. That was not straightforward, and took time and effort. But we believe firmly that it was the right thing to do.
Since the adoption of UNSCR 1701 following a period of intense diplomatic activity, in which the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary were both heavilly engaed, the Government has been focused on turning the cesation of hostilities between Israel and Hizbollah into a durable cease-fire and a long-term solution. We have also been working hard with key partners to re-energise the Middle-East Peace Process, an issue of vital importance to the region and wider world. The Prime Minister visited Lebanon (the first ever visit by a British PM), Israel and the Occupied Territories from 9-11 September and the Foreign Secretary visted Egypt from 7-9 September.
As the Prime Minister said during his visit to Lebanon, we must ensure full implementation of UNSRC 1701 to support the Lebanese people's desire for a stable, prosperous and democratic future for Lebanon. Following the cease-fire, one of our immediate priorities has been to address the humanitarian and reconstruction situation in Lebanon. Most of the Lebanese displaced population have now been able to return home or are on their way home. Food and other essentials are now available. A worsened humanitarian crisis has been averted. After intensive efforts by the UK and other international partners, Israel announced the lifting of its blockade on Lebanon on 7 September. But life in Lebanon remains difficult for many.
The UK continues to play its part in the humanitarian and recovery efforts. The UK will contribute a total of over £40 million to Lebanon, including £22.3 million for humanitarian assistance and early recovery projects. We have committed over £1.5 million to clear spent and unexploded munitions. Our funds will also contribute towards emergency bridges to help open critical humanitarian supply routes to those isolated in southerrn Lebanon. Construction of the first prefabricated bridges provided by the UK began on 13 September. Up to five more should be complete by mid-October.
The other immediate priority has been to stabilise the peace. Urgent work has been undertaken to strengthen the UN force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), in order to carry out the range of important new tasks set out in UNSCR 1701.
During his visit to Lebanon, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of Security Sector Reform (SSR). The Lebanese armed forces have a crucial role in the country and the UK has set aside £2.5 million to support efforts to ensure that the Lebanese authorities take control of all parts of Lebanon. We will work with the Lebanese government and with other donors, to identify training and equipment and any other help that we can give. We must also work to address the underlying route causes of this conflict. This means strengthening the ability of the democratically-elected Lebanese Govermment to be in sole charge of Lebanon, and ensuring that militias, supported and supplied from outside Lebanon, can never again plunge the region into crisis.
Further information about our policies towards the Middle East can be found on our website.
Yours sincerely. Duncan Johns. Arab/Israel North Africa Group, Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
--------------------------------------------------------
Previous Reply I received from Foreign Secretary Margaret (Bride of Frankenstein*) Beckett, via my MP-Michael Howard, to an Amnesty Intl letter on war crimes during Israel/ Lebanon conflict. ( NOTE: received on 17 OCT 2007 !)
Vacuous as ever, and the last line gave me a hollow laugh since the UK should be under investigation anyway !
* Well just remind yourself of Elsa Lanchester in the 1930's film (side view esp !!)
Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London SW1A 2AH. 18 Sept 2006.
Dear Michael (Howard)
Thank you for your letter of 4 Sept on behalf of your constituent Mr of............... Folkestone., about the possibility of war crimes being committed in Lebanon.
On 18 July EU Foreign Ministers said they recognised Israel's legitamate right to seaf-defence but urged Israel to exercise utmost restraint and not to resort to any disproportionate action. The Government and the EU have consistantly urged all parties to do everything possible to protect civilian populations and to refrain from actions in violation of international humanitarian law.
The governments of Israel & Lebanon have obligations to respect the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and to ensure respect by their populations. Credible allegations of war crimes should be properly investigated by those who have access to the facts. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reminded both parties to the conflict of thier obligation to respect the rules of war as enshrined in international humanitarian law, in partiular, those applicable to the civilian population. The UN and other bodies are also seeking to conduct inquiries.
The UK is not in a position to conduct an investigation.
Sincerely. Margaret Beckett.
--------------------------------
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