Suleiman Tells Stefani: Israel”s Occupation, Spy Cells Violate Resolution 1701
President Michel Suleiman criticized Thursday a U.N. report on the implementation of Resolution 1701 for failing to mention Israel”s repeated breaches.
During talks with visiting chairman of the Italian parliament”s foreign affairs committee, Stefano Stefani, Suleiman praised Italy for its support and contribution to UNIFIL.
"The Lebanese side is abiding by Resolution 1701," Suleiman said, a day after U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued his annual report on the implementation of the Security Council-brokered cease-fire following the 2006 Second Lebanon War.
"The resolution however is being repeatedly breached by the Israeli occupation of Shebaa Farms, Kfarshouba Hills and the northern part of al-Ghajar and its espionage networks in the south," he added.
Suleiman expressed "regret that Ban Ki-moon”s report failed to mention those breaches."
Suleiman pointed to the fact that "over the past year, Lebanon regained its calm, stability and trust of friendly and neighboring countries.
"Lebanon also remained unaffected by the repercussions of ongoing conflicts in the region and by the recent global financial crisis."
He expressed gratitude for Italy”s "continued support and interest in Lebanon, be that through political and economic means or by its sizeable contribution to UNIFIL."
For his part, Stefani called for the formation of a Lebanese government "as soon as possible" and praised the "understanding and cooperation" he has witnessed between the army and UNIFIL, in general, and the Italian battalion in specific.
He expressed hope that the "problem of Palestinian refugees can be resolved by the establishment of a Palestinian state and an Israeli state."
Stefani later held talks with Speaker Nabih Berri who said the Middle East conflict was "rooted in the Palestinian cause."
"Israel”s aggressive policy and rejection of all international resolution is obstructing peace in the Middle East," Berri added.