U.N. Concerned Over Lebanon
The United Nations political chief and several Security Council permanent representatives have voiced concern over the presidential vacuum in Lebanon and the recent incidents that have threatened the country”s stability.
“Lebanon”s leaders must act now to find a way to bridge their positions and return the country to normal political activity” Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe said during a briefing to the Council Wednesday.
Lebanon has been without a head of state since President Emile Lahoud”s term ended in November.
Pascoe also voiced U.N. concern over Sunday”s protests in the Shiyah district of Beirut”s southern suburbs that left eight people dead and the assassination last Friday of top intelligence officer Capt. Wissam Eid.
He said the recent troubles in the Middle East illustrate “the gap between the aspirations of the political process and the grim realities of the situation on the ground.”
He said the current crisis in the Gaza Strip is overshadowing efforts to find a long-term peace settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
French Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert, in comments after Pascoe”s briefing on conditions in the Middle East, said the security situation in Lebanon has recently deteriorated and latest incidents show there is a campaign to “destabilize” the country.
He also said the culprits in the killing of Eid should be brought to justice and an investigation into Sunday”s incidents should reveal those involved in the shootings on protestors.
On Lebanon”s presidential vacuum, Ripert reiterated his country”s support for the three-point Arab plan which called for the election of Army Chief Gen. Michel Suleiman president, the formation of a national unity cabinet in which no one party has veto power and the adoption of a new electoral law.
In his statement, British ambassador John Sawers said his country was “alarmed” by the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon.
“It remains essential that political divisions are reconciled and that an election of a president is allowed to proceed without outside interference. We welcome the recent efforts of the Arab League. We look to all those with influence to use it responsibly and for the common good of all Lebanese,” he said.
Acting U.S. ambassador Alejandro D. Wolff, in his turn, reiterated support for Premier Fouad Saniora”s “legitimate and democratically-elected” government and urged the immediate election of a head of state “in accordance with Lebanon”s constitution.”
He also told members of the Council that the Bush administration appreciated “the U.N.”s efforts to rapidly establish the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which will hold accountable those responsible for the assassination” of ex-Premier Hariri and related crimes.
“We urge members of the Council and U.N. member states to provide financial assistance to allow the Tribunal to proceed with its important work,” Wolff said.
He urged “Syria, Iran, and their allies to end their interference” in Lebanon”s internal offers and stop obstructing the country”s “democratic process.”