Williams Says Lebanon Faces Security Risks Not Related to Israel

U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams expressed fears that the political dispute between the March 14-led opposition and the majority would lead to violence, stressing that Lebanon needs a responsible government and opposition.

“It’s a shame,” he said in an interview with As Safir newspaper on Wednesday.

“I am positive that the March 14 forces will play an active role and will have an unprecedented role in the parliament and media through a democratic behavior,” Williams said.

He described the clashes in the northern port city of Tripoli that erupted last Friday as “normal.”

Williams praised the formation of the cabinet led by PM Najib Miqati, hoping that it would set its priorities that are “a lot considering the accumulated needs.”

“The important thing is that the cabinet’s policy statement remains committed to (Security Council) resolution 1701, and Lebanon’s international obligations… then I think Lebanon will become more stable and will flourish,” the diplomat said.

He said that the priorities are summarized in three main issues: the electricity issue, the water issue and the issue that relates to the marine resources of gas and oil.

Concerning the possibility of any outbreak of dispute with Israel after Lebanon officially objected at the U.N. the establishment of the Economic Zone between Israel and Cyprus, Williams said: “I hope that nothing happens, but Lebanon has to start demarking its maritime borders with all its neighbors.”

“Lebanon doesn’t have any specific law about maritime exploration, which means that no oil company will agree on drilling for oil in Lebanon,” he said.

Asked about any U.N. assistance in the issue, Williams replied that “the U.N. can do that if any of the concerned countries asked it to. The issue was raised with the Israeli party that expressed its willingness to discuss it in the case of signing a peace treaty only.”

Williams told the newspaper that the Israeli military drills on the borders of Lebanon and Syria are “routine” exercises.

“We don’t see any specific threat or problem with the Israeli drills.” He said, stressing that the “tripartite monthly meeting in Naqoura will continue to discuss disputed issues.”

“I believe that there are security risks at the meantime in the South but I don’t think they are related to Israel,” Williams said.

About the possibility of new security incidents in the South such as a third party meddling in an attempt to obstruct the cabinet, the newspaper quoted him as saying “I hope not, we shouldn’t foresee things and criticize them.”

The diplomat denied that the probe into the attack on the UNIFIL in Rmeileh has reached any result yet.

About the Italian government’s decision to downsize its contingent in Lebanon, Williams said that it is linked to “local issues.”

“Italy has many commitments in other countries like Afghanistan,” he said.

“The Italians are committed to UNIFIL… but it’ll be hard for them to keep the same number of troops (1800),” Williams reiterated.

Regarding the extension of the UNIFIL mandate at the end of August, Williams said it is under “the Security Council’s decision… the council has enough wisdom and I am sure it will take the right decision and extend the mandate of the forces.”

The U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon noted that the annual report about the implementation of U.N. Security Council resolution 1701, that will be released by the end of the month, will include new elements.

“It’s not ordinary for a country to have a resistance and an army at the same time,” Williams said.

Meanwhile, he stressed that the Syrian situation will reflect on the local situation. “All the officials I meet from March 8 and 14 forces are worried about the issue,” the diplomat said.