Pirates Caribbean Tabs Simple

Lebanon, Russia is holding back UN resolution

U.S. freezes Moscow: the draft could not be passed without the consent of Beirut. English mediation in order to adjust the text and find common ground,

The White House: are not enough troops on the border of Beirut

She said yes in St. Petersburg and then at the Rome summit. He followed with a tacit understanding the mediation of the U.S. and France to the UN. But yesterday, suddenly, the Kremlin has said no to the draft resolution on Lebanon. And that is not heavy, because with the right to veto that Russia has always exercised in the Security Council, like the other four permanent members.

Officially the turn responds to reasons of realpolitik. "It is useless to approve an agreement if Lebanon did not considered acceptable, as this would only lead to the continuation of the conflict and violence," says the Russian ambassador to the UN Vitali Ciurkin, that still leaves the door ajar. "I'm going strong diplomatic efforts to find a solution agreeable to the Lebanese government - said in an interview with Moscow TV Vesti 24 -. And it is difficult to predict when they will find the appropriate words, so that Israel can accept. " The goal is reasonable: Russia uses its influence to seek an agreement that satisfies both parties and is careful to avoid the embarrassment of the UN vote on a resolution intended to remain a dead letter.

In reality, there is only Lebanon behind the turnaround of the Kremlin. In St. Petersburg, Putin and Bush had decided to set aside the disagreements of the past two years and open a new phase of cooperation or at least mutual understanding. But last Friday the U.S. government has passed sanctions against seven foreign companies accused of selling Iran materials used to build weapons of mass destruction.

Of those seven, two are Russia: Rosoboronexport - headed by a close friend of Putin - and the Sukhoi military aircraft factory, owned by the state. Yesterday morning, the Russian government has warned the State Department that it would consider the decision as a "hostile act" and that relations between the two countries have been affected. A few hours after the hardening at the UN on Lebanon here. It remains to be seen whether this is a simple revenge or punishment. In the first case, the dissent in Russia is likely to turn in the next few hours, in the second Moscow could block the negotiation process at the UN, dealing a blow to the White House.

Meanwhile in New York, the Security Council met to hear the Arab League delegation - led by Secretary-General, Egypt's Amr Moussa and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Hamed Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani - who has strongly advocated the interests of Beirut. But the day diplomatic mission - once again very strong - was characterized by reactions to the proclamation of Lebanese Prime Minister Siniora, who on Monday night decided to send 15 thousand soldiers in southern Lebanon. France calls it a "very important political step" and calls UN partners "to take into consideration" in the debate at the UN.

Prudente opening of Israel: "It's an interesting move," says Prime Minister Olmert, but "wants to check all aspects' or if it is feasible and at what times. For five years the Jewish state claims that the southern Lebanon and Hezbollah to be removed finally placed under the sovereignty of the Lebanese government. The gesture of Siniora meets the demands of Israel. But to hold off the guerrillas and Shiite, in particular, disarm them, you need well equipped and battle-hardened soldiers, but until now the Lebanese army has proved to be weak and inefficient. That is why Olmert wants guarantees precise and not waive any deployment of a multinational force equipped with "combat units".

And the White House? Washington also considers a 'significant' the Siniora's proposal, but premature: "The Lebanese army is not strong enough to be able to control the border alone," says State Department spokesman Sean McCormak. Needs to be accompanied by a foreign contingent "to neutralize the Shiite militias and to prevent Syria and Iran to filter out weapons." America and Israel to arm, as always.

But the invitation "to hurry" addressed Bush is rejected Monday by the UN. The Security Council will vote today and probably not tomorrow. "Maybe Friday," announced the British government, which is optimistic in the evening: the negotiations in order to adjust the resolution is well under way. The agreement seems close, allowing Russia.

Source: The Journal