(Published in Spanish in) EL PAÍS, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2006
                     

OP-ED

“THE FUTURE OF LEBANON”

By Eduardo Aguirre, U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra

Recently the first group of 435 Spanish soldiers arrived in Lebanon to help ensure peace and stability in the region as part of the UNIFIL forces. The United States is convinced that assisting Lebanon regain her footing politically and economically is vital to the future stability and freedom of Lebanon, and to the political course of the entire region. That’s why we applaude Spain’s important contribution to UNIFIL’s efforts.

Prior to the outbreak of this summer’s conflict, Lebanon was in the midst of dramatic change. In the wake of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February 2005, millions of Lebanese took to the streets to demand democracy and an end to Syria’s interference in Lebanon’s affairs. They inspired the world; and forced Syria to accelerate the withdrawal of its military and intelligence forces.

Lebanon appeared to be triumphing over the instability and adversity that had plagued its recent past. Record-breaking numbers of tourists and the Lebanese diaspora arrived to enjoy the country’s beautiful resorts, exciting nightlife and Mediterranean climate. The country was enjoying remarkable economic renewal. Lebanon seemed on the verge of a breathtaking renaissance of hope.

And then, Hezbollah attacked. On July 12, Hezbollah terrorists penetrated across the international border into Israeli territory, kidnapping two Israeli soldiers and killing others. The entire world watched the escalating conflict that ensued, facing a difficult decision. The human toll that the conflict was taking on both Lebanon and Israel was impossible to ignore. Some voices called early on for an immediate cease-fire. But the United States understood that a cease-fire that merely established a temporary pause, without addressing the fundamental causes of the conflict, would result inevitably in an eventual return to the cycle of violence.

And so the U.S. launched an intense diplomatic effort to establish the basis for a solid, sustainable, lasting peace. UN Security Council Resolution 1701, approved unanimously, provides that basis. Most importantly, it calls for the disbanding and disarming of armed militias in Lebanon, an end to foreign interference by Syria and other regional actors, and the restoration of the Lebanese government’s full sovereignty over all of its territory.

The entire international community shares these goals of helping the government of Lebanon build and strengthen its democratic institutions and promote economic growth, while creating a new dynamic in the region for greater stability and peace. We must help it assert its sovereignty throughout the country, secure its borders, and eventually disarm all militias.

Thanks to such contributions as Spain’s participation in UNIFIL, great progress is underway. Already in southern Lebanon there are nearly 9,000 international troops - from not only Spain, but also France, Italy, Turkey, Poland, Portugal, Germany, India and elsewhere. With the cessation of hostilities, the U.S. immediately gave over $50 million to international humanitarian organizations responding to the displacement and suffering caused by the conflict. The majority of displaced persons have been able to return to their homes, and critical shortages of fuel and other goods have ended.

President Bush has pledged an initial $230 million in humanitarian, reconstruction, and security assistance. Spain has pledged more than 30 Million Euros. France is hosting a donor’s conference in January, another important step forward in the international community’s assistance efforts. Given the Lebanese people’s well-deserved fame for business savvy and entrepreneurial abilities, there is a strong basis for optimism that Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts will be successful.

Ultimately, the nation-wide disarmament of Hezbollah, the instigators of this summer’s conflict, will be one of the greatest challenges to moving forward. We recognize that this will only occur through internal Lebanese dialogue. This is a process that will take time – but it must take place. It is incompatible with democracy and stability that groups be allowed to participate in the political process while simultaneously maintaining armed militias.

This conflict brought much destruction and heartache and human suffering. But its resolution has opened opportunities extending well beyond Lebanon.

Today the Middle East stands at a critical crossroads. Throughout the region there are hopeful signs of a trend towards democracy – and yet each day we are reminded that there is also violent resistance to it. There are courageous leaders who seek to bring about the conditions for a lasting peace – and there are radicals and extremists who seek to foment greater suffering and exploit further conflict.

The U.S. will continue to support moderate governments like the democratically elected government of Lebanon in its efforts to meet the needs of their people and to encourage genuine freedom to take root. Spain can be proud that it, too, is making a vital contribution to a better, more hopeful future for Lebanon.

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