France circulated a paper containing points of discussion as a basis for beginning discussion on a Security Council resolution on the crisis in Lebanon “We've had a lot of discussion, and there is growing concern in the council. Many think the deterioration of the situation requires humanitarian troops, as [French President Jacques] Chirac has asked,” said French Ambassador Jean-Marc de la Sabliere. The French document outlined 12 points as the basis for a resolution by the Security Council. It called on both Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah to exercise restraint, condemned “extremist forces” looking to destabilize the region, and called for a “comprehensive and lasting cease-fire.” De la Sabliere maintained that American support is crucial, as is support from other council members. “Release of the Israeli soldiers is key. [Security Council Resolution] 1559 is key. To have the Blue Line (Lebanon-Israel border) respected is key. And how to interlink these elements is a main part of the discussion,” he said. Initial reaction to the French document was mixed. Qatar and Lebanon were pleased with the document, but the United States and Israel “were not happy” with the text, a European diplomat told S.P.A. Divisions remain in the Security Council, particularly over calls for an immediate cease-fire, but all council members support a fully sovereign Lebanon with secure borders, the diplomat said. “The council is not in agreement on a resolution,” said Ambassador Nassir Al-Nasser of Qatar, the only Arab state currently represented in the Security Council. “We like to maintain unity in the council, but the situation in Lebanon cannot wait. Maybe with this [French document], we can come up with something.” The Security Council will be briefed Thursday by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the work his diplomatic delegation did in the region. The council will continue to discuss Lebanon with Annan in the customary mid-month lunch held in the Secretariat on later in the day, and the secretary-general will have a working dinner with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday night
