Ban Concerned by New Lebanon Tensions
Lebanon has been hit by a new climate of "uncertainty" that could cause new instability across the region, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon warned.
In a report released only days after a controversial visit to Lebanon by Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the UN chief called on regional powers to stay out of the country's affairs and also said Israel must halt military overflights.
"I am very concerned by rising political tensions in the country," Ban said, referring to a growing war of words between Prime Minister Saad Hariri's coalition and Hizbullah.
"The combination of mistrust between the parties and the continued presence of militias could lead to tensions and possible insecurity and instability in Lebanon and beyond.
"The country should not be used as a staging ground to further regional aspirations or to promote conflict," he said in a report on Lebanon to the UN Security Council.
At a Security Council debate, Iran's UN ambassador Mohammad Khazaee, said the "unprecedented" reception given to Ahmadinejad in Lebanon showed the "constructive role that the Islamic Republic of Iran plays in the region in general and in Lebanon in particular."
He said the Security Council and the secretary general should recognize the "powerful role" that Iran plays.
Ban has repeatedly expressed concern over the tense political events in Lebanon and its delicate relations with neighboring Syria however. He has also made repeated calls for Hizbullah to follow the example of other militias and disarm.
Hizbullah's arsenal "remains distinct from and may exceed the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces," according to the report.
Ban said Hizbullah's military strength "creates an atmosphere of intimidation and poses a key challenge to the safety of Lebanese civilians and to the government's monopoly on the legitimate use of force."
The UN chief also highlighted Palestinian armed groups operating in Lebanon. He said all the militias remain "a challenge" to the Lebanese state.
Israel has kept control of part of the south Lebanon village of Ghajar since an Israeli military campaign in 2006, but Ban said Israel should withdraw and end its regular military flights over south Lebanon.(AFP)
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