U.N.: Pullout Mechanism is Only Problem to Israeli Withdrawal from Ghajar

U.N.: Pullout Mechanism is Only Problem to Israeli Withdrawal from Ghajar

U.N. spokeswoman Michele Montas has said the world body expects Israel to withdraw from the northern part of Ghajar the soonest, adding that only a pullout "mechanism" was delaying the move.

The world body is still consulting with concerning parties to implement a decision for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Lebanese side of Ghajar, Montas told An Nahar in remarks published Tuesday.

She said Israel will withdraw "sooner or later" because it is "obliged under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 to pull out of the region."

UNIFIL has suggested a mechanism to facilitate Israel”s pullout and "discussions are ongoing," she told the newspaper.

"The problem is only over a mechanism. We are seeking a solution," she said.

Asked about U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon”s reaction to the recent threats of Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Montas said: "The Secretary-General doesn”t usually comment on threats."

She said the world body was "closely following the situation in south Lebanon."