Ban Encourages Dismantling of Palestinian Bases, Says Hizbullah”s Capabilities a Serious Challenge to Sovereignty
U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon has urged Israel to withdraw from the Lebanese side of the border village of Ghajar and reiterated that Hizbullah”s armed capabilities pose a serious challenge to the government”s ability to exercise its sovereignty.
n his 10th report on implementation of Security Council resolution 1701, Ban said the continued occupation by Israeli forces of the northern part of Ghajar and the adjacent area north of the Blue Line must end.
As indicated in his previous reports, the secretary general said Hizbullah continues to maintain a substantial military capacity distinct from that of the Lebanese state. This capacity continues to pose a serious challenge to the ability of the Lebanese state to exercise full sovereignty over its territory.
The existence of military bases belonging to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command and to Fatah al Intifada continues to pose a hindrance to Lebanese sovereignty, according to the report carried by Beirut newspapers on Wednesday.
Ban hasn”t yet handed over the report to the Security Council for discussion.
The U.N. chief called on the Lebanese government to dismantle the Palestinian military bases and on Syria, which has influence on these groups, to support efforts in this regard.