No Mideast Peace with Naturalization in Lebanon
There will be no peace in the Middle East if some states believed the naturalization of Palestinians will take place in Lebanon, said UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams after meeting with Head of the Lebanese Forces Executive Council Samir Geagea on Wednesday in Maarab.
“The peace process cannot be implemented without ensuring each state’s rights,” Williams said.
He added that the UN reached an agreement regarding border demarcation on the Lebanese-Syrian borders, saying that the Lebanese authorities have appointed three officials to deal with the matter, including William Habib, an official in the Lebanese Foreign Ministry. However, the Syrians did not make any announcements regarding the issue, Williams said.
He also said that discussions with Geagea included the Lebanese parliamentary elections, the formation of the new cabinet, the Iranian presidential elections as well as the general situation in the region.
The UN special coordinator said he urged the LF leader to make efforts with the March 14 alliance and March 8 coalition to form a new cabinet as soon as possible to pave the way for state institutions to resume their roles.
“Nothing shows that Israel will withdraw from the Ghajar Village any time soon, but we will keep pressuring the Israeli cabinet concerning the issue,” he said.
Williams also said he informed Geagea about the report on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 that will be submitted in July to the UN Security Council.