Ban Ki-Moon: National Unity Government to Guarantee A Better and Calmer Lebanon

Local Editor

United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon warned Monday that a "worrying pattern" of "escalating political tension in Lebanon", calling upon all Lebanese political leaders to "encourage the interests of future of the country and put aside all personal interests."

In his latest report on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1559, the secretary general warned that the persistence of non-state arms, coupled with recently heightened tensions surrounding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), could have dire consequences for Lebanon and the Middle East, Lebanese daily An-Nahar reported.

"The presence of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias and a worrying pattern of armed incidents continue to pose a threat to the stability of the country and the region, and highlights the need for the Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese army to exercise a monopoly on the use of force throughout Lebanon," Ban wrote.

Ban also touched on ongoing "Israeli" violation of Resolution 1701 and the "Israeli" reconnaissance and mock air raid flights over Lebanese territory and the issue of the northern part of the village of Ghajar, from which "Israel" is obliged to withdraw in accordance with international law.
"I deplore the continued "Israeli" violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

Ban considered that "A Lebanese National Unity Government is the guarantee to a better and calmer Lebanon that encourages dialogue." He warned that Lebanon is undergoing a state of fragility and therefore, it is essential to spread an atmosphere of unity, mutual respect and stability, assuring that the Taef Accord should be maintained and applied by all parties in the country in order to avoid any internal conflict or confrontation between the Lebanese."