Cablegate: Tfle01 Chirac Announces Emergency Aid to Lebanon;

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Lucia A Keegan 07/21/2006 03:12:47 PM From DB/Inbox: Lucia A Keegan

Cable
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UNCLAS PARIS 04939

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UNCLAS PARIS 004939

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL AEMR MARR CASC LE KHLS FR
SUBJECT: TFLE01 CHIRAC ANNOUNCES EMERGENCY AID TO LEBANON;
CALLS FOR "HUMANITARIAN CORRIDOR"

1. SUMMARY: After meeting with the Cabinet on July 19,
President Chirac announced France would be sending emergency
aid to Lebanon and calls for "humanitarian corridors" to be
opened. Chirac said that the GoF was cooperating closely
with Lebanese officials on their needs. He also took the
opportunity to stress the GoF's plea for a "humanitarian
truce" and the conditions necessary to move beyond the
current situation. France, he said, would continue to work
with the international community towards a cessation of
violence. END SUMMARY

2. President Chirac met with his key cabinet members on July
19, before making a presidential statement on the situation
in Lebanon. In his declaration he reiterated the G8 text,
called for the liberation of Israeli soldiers, an end to
rocket attacks into Israel, and an end to all targeting of
civilian infrastructure in Lebanon. Regarding Palestine, he
insisted that dialogue with PA President Abbas, needed to be
restarted. Chirac reiterated the need to implement UNSCR
1559, and for the Lebanese government to take control over
its entire territory. Re-establishment of authority,
stability and the sovereignty of Lebanon was the only way to
assure peaceful, democratic governance.

3. The President called particular attention to the
humanitarian situation in Lebanon, citing destruction of
civilian infrastructure, including places of food production
and milk for children. Chirac announced that France, working
with Lebanese authorities, would be sending emergency aid via
aircraft today, July 19. The GoF would also be keeping large
ships in the area, now being used for evacuations, as a
possible means for the transport of humanitarian supplies.

4. "Humanitarian corridors," Chirac said, needed to be opened
immediately. The safe movement of displaced persons and
emergency supplies inside the country was vital. In
addition, a corridor from Cyprus to Lebanon for humanitarian
purposes needed to be put in place. These safe passages were
essential to the well being of the Lebanese people.

5. Chirac closed by offering the Lebanese people France's
moral support, but also all means possible for humanitarian
relief.

Please visit Paris' Classified Website at:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm

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