Fed: Howard has some concerns about if ceasefire can last

AAP General News (Australia)
08-13-2006
Fed: Howard has some concerns about if ceasefire can last

JOHN HOWARD says he has some serious concerns about whether a deal to end hostilities
between Israel and Lebanon can last.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed on a ceasefire tomorrow afternoon at 3.00 o'clock Australian time.

The PM's welcomed the deal because he says people around the world want to see an end
to the fighting and killing.

He says it looks good on the surface .. but we should remember Hizbollah started the
conflict by attacking Israel .. and he doubts if the UN resolution can work if Hizbollah
isn't disarmed.

Mr HOWARD says unless there's a clear determination and a clear authority to disarm
Hizbollah the truce isn't going to work.







He says the government hasn't yet made any decision about sending troops to the region
to help with a UN peacekeeping force.

But he says if we do join in it will be a very small .. niche commitment.

AAP RTV bt/bart

KEYWORD: MIDEAST HOWARD (SYDNEY)

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