In Beirut, Ban Slams Israel Violations, Calls for Disarming Hizbullah

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Friday said he was "deeply concerned" about the military prowess of Hizbullah and noted that the frequent Israeli violations of Lebanon’s territory and airspace continue to undermine UNIFIL’s credibility and Lebanon’s sovereignty.

"I am deeply concerned about the military capacity of Hizbullah and also concerned about the lack of progress in disarmament," the U.N. chief told a news conference after holding talks with Lebanese leaders.

"All arms outside state authority are not acceptable," he added.

Ban arrived in Beirut on Friday for talks with Lebanese leaders on the controversial U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the bloodshed in Syria and Hizbullah’s arms.

During his three-day visit, Ban is also expected to address the recent attacks against UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.

Several dozen people gathered in downtown Beirut on his arrival to denounce the visit and express their support for Hizbullah.

Ban is accompanied on his trip by Special Envoy for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 Terje Roed-Larsen and U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon commander Major General Alberto Asarta.

At the press conference, Ban said he had urged President Michel Suleiman to relaunch a national dialogue started in 2006 on defining a defense strategy for the country.

Hizbullah's arsenal has been at the center of the dialogue, stalled since 2010 because of bickering between rival parties.

Ban also confirmed at the news conference that the mandate of the controversial STL that has charged four Hizbullah operatives with the 2005 assassination of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri would be extended.

He said he had discussed the matter earlier on Friday in meetings with Suleiman, Prime Minister Najib Miqati and Speaker Nabih Berri.

"How long the mandate will be extended will be (decided) in consultation with the Lebanese government and Security Council," he said.

The mandate of the Netherlands-based Special Tribunal for Lebanon expires on February 29.

Addressing the Syrian crisis, Ban said: “I have already expressed my deep gratitude to the Lebanese government for hosting Syrian refugees. I stressed that the Syrian refugees should not be repatriated to Syria and that they should be treated in a humanitarian manner.”

Asked about remarks by a top Hizbullah official that he was not welcome in Lebanon, Ban said “I’m very glad to visit Lebanon and it is normal for the secretary general who represents 193 states to be able to visit all member states and it is normal to have divergent points of view.”

During talks with Miqati at the Grand Serail, the U.N. chief stressed the importance of speeding up “strategic” dialogue between the Lebanese army and UNIFIL in order to enable the army to assume its full responsibilities in the South.

After the talks, he revealed that he would bring up the issue of the Jewish state’s violations with Israeli officials when he visits Israel.

He also stressed the importance of Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied northern part of the town of Ghajar and of controlling the security along the Lebanese border and “disarming militias.”

In addition, Ban urged Lebanon to begin investing in its offshore petroleum wealth in the areas that are not being contested with Israel.

For his part, Miqati noted that the U.N. chief’s visit is an indication of the United Nations’ keenness on Lebanon, saying that the UNIFIL force reflects the international community’s interest in Lebanon’s security and stability.

“This interest should protect Lebanon from repeated Israeli attacks,” Miqati stated.

He added however that Israel’s aggressive acts against Lebanon and the spread of its spy networks in the country hamper UNIFIL’s duties.

“Israel disregards the international resolutions and the international community’s will,” he stressed.

“Lebanon always respects its resolutions, no matter how difficult the circumstances, including those related to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon,” said the premier.

“This is not enough to guarantee Lebanon’s stability and peace, but the international community must confront Israel and force it to abide by international agreements,” stated Miqati.

He reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, demanding that Israel withdraw from the occupied Shebaa Farms and northern Ghajar in line with the resolution.

The PM renewed Lebanon’s condemnation of the attacks against UNIFIL, deeming them an attack against Lebanon, its people, and security.

“Lebanon looks forward to maintaining the cooperation with the countries that are participating in the international force,” he remarked.

Furthermore, Miqati asserted Lebanon’s right to exploit the natural wealth that exists in its exclusive economic zone.

Earlier on Friday Ban held talks with President Suleiman at the Baabda Palace after which he praised Lebanon’s commitment to international agreements, especially since it is a founding member of the United Nations.

He also lauded ongoing efforts to resume the national dialogue in Lebanon as part of achieving stability in Lebanon and reaching an agreement on a defense strategy.

Suleiman meanwhile voiced Lebanon’s keenness on the safety of UNIFIL, condemning the “terrorist attacks” that have targeted them in the past year.

Later on Friday, Ban held talks with Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh.

On Saturday, he is scheduled to visit the U.N. peacekeeping command in the South and attend a dinner banquet thrown by Miqati in his honor at the Grand Serail.

He is also slated to attend on Sunday a two-day conference organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) on the Arab world's transition to democracy.