U.N. Says No Intention to Deploy International Forces on Border with Syria

The United Nations announced on Friday that it has no intentions of deploying international peacekeeping forces on the northern border with Syria, preferring instead to support the military institution's efforts.

In an interview with the pan-Arab al-Arabiya television taped in New York, U.N. Special Coordinator Derek Plumbly said security institutions will protect Lebanon by controlling the situation in the northern city of Tripoli, and arresting those accused of being behind terrorist attacks.

"But other countries should help Lebanon in this domain,” Plumbly added.

Answering a question about the possibility of deploying international forces on the border with Syria, the U.N. official said this issue requires a decision by the United Nations' Security Council, and the approval of both the Lebanese and the Syrian authorities.

"We think the army is the force that is most capable of protecting the border,” Plumbly said.

He assured that the Lebanese cabinet still adopts a policy of disassociation, despite the fact that some factions participate in the fighting in the neighboring country's war.

He stressed that the Baabda Declaration should be a basis for future steps, despite the violations of this agreement.

Regarding the upcoming presidential elections, Plumbly said that it is a Lebanese matter.

"We are concerned with the elections' success and with electing a president before the constitutional deadline,” he noted.

Plumbly was also asked about the petition submitted by 69 March 14 deputies demanding the expansion of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon's mandate to cover all assassinations against the alliance's figures.

"We handed the petition over to the U.N. chief and this is a legal step that requires time and several steps, including the cabinet and the Security Council's approvals,” he explained.

Plumbly also tackled the issue of refugees, revealing that Lebanese public schools are currently hosting 500,000 Syrian students.

"All necessities must be provided to these schools,” he said.