As published in Phileleftheros Newspaper...
September 3, 2006, pp.31

(English Text)

The Only Way Forward for Lebanon

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Jane B. Zimmerman

After a month of terrible human suffering and damage to infrastructure, ignited by Hezbollah's attack on Israel on July 12, the United Nations Security Council's unanimous adoption of Resolution 1701 on August 11 brought an end to the hostilities and outlined a way forward to build a lasting and sustainable peace.

Since then, the United States has wasted no time in reaching out to help the people of Lebanon. We have already provided more than $55 million to support emergency humanitarian activities, and President Bush announced a humanitarian and reconstruction package of more than $230 million. These funds will help the Lebanese people rebuild their homes and lives, restore key bridges and roads, and rehabilitate schools. Additionally, the United States is deploying an oil spill response team to assist the Lebanese government in cleaning up an oil slick that is endangering coastal communities.

The democratically elected government of Lebanon is reclaiming its sovereignty by sending thousands of Lebanese Armed Forces troops to border areas. A $42 million package to help train and equip the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces is in the works. This is the first time in almost 40 years that Lebanese Government troops have been in some areas of their country.

We welcome the decision made at the EU meeting in Brussels on August 25 to take rapid action to assist the UN in deploying the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). This force will help Lebanon's legitimate armed forces restore the sovereignty of its democratic government throughout the country and stop Hezbollah from acting as a state within a state. Also, the European Union’s 700 million Euro pledge for Lebanon’s reconstruction at the August 31 Stockholm Donors’ Conference is a significant step in helping the Lebanese people return to normalcy.

The Government of Cyprus should be applauded for its decision to place its infrastructure at the disposal of the UN and the EU for UNIFIL’s mission. This contribution is consistent with Cyprus’ record of leadership throughout the Lebanon conflict and its aftermath. To offer but one example, Cyprus earned the appreciation of numerous nations during the assisted departure of tens of thousands from the area of hostilities. I can only echo President Bush’s and Ambassador Schlicher’s gratitude for Cypriots’ generosity and philanthropy to the nearly 14,000 Americans and their family members who transited the island on there way home.

Now, Cyprus again is playing a key role in international efforts to build a lasting piece in Lebanon and provide humanitarian assistance to its suffering people. The United States stands with Cyprus and like-minded nations in seeking a durable, just peace in the region.