UN working on new deal between Israel and Lebanon

[eyl]

The United Nations is working toward a new diplomatic arrangement between Israel and Lebanon that will be based on implementation of Security Council Resolution 1559, calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah, the restoration of Lebanese sovereignty, and the deployment of the Lebanese army to southern Lebanon.

The arrangement will be based on principles concluded at the G8 summit in St. Petersburg earlier this week, which include the unconditional return of the abducted Israeli soldiers, cessation of rocket attacks against Israel, an end to the Israeli assault on Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, and the release of Hamas officials arrested by Israel following the raid on Kerem Shalom in late June.

Haaretz

[pelsar]

1. i dont think its much of a deal...

as its probably what both israel and lebanon want....the only stickler is that its not what Hizballa wants. Without israel to threaten i dont believe Hizballa have much of a political platform...and without that, i dont think iran and syria will have much reason to finanace them

hence Hizballa has to be "taken out" for the deal to go through.....

[eyl]

2. The critical question

is what is the UN (and Lebanon) willing to do to force Hizbullah to compliance.

[bemildred]

3. Sovereignty isn't something someone else gives you. nt