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| A Cambodian peacekeeper with the UNIFIL leaves the site where a de-mining procedure was conducted, close to the village of Maroon Al-Rass and the Blue Line demarcating the Israeli-Lebanese border. May 2011 (Click on picture) |
Dear
Mr. President,
Further
to my latest report to the Security Council concerning the
implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) (S/2012/502), I hereby
request the Security Council to consider the renewal of the mandate
of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is due
to expire on 31
August
2012. In a letter dated 21 July 2012 addressed to me, the Minister
for Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon requested that the
Security Council extend the mandate of UNIFIL for a further period of
one year, without amendment.
I
refer to Security Council resolution 2004 (2011), requesting me to
conduct a Strategic Review of UNIFIL, and my letter to the President
of the Security Council conveying the main conclusions of the Review
(S/2012/151). UNIFIL is in the process of implementing the
recommendations of the Strategic Review. Mechanisms are being
developed to enable the three identified strategic priorities, namely
to establish a comprehensive approach to the implementation of
resolution 1701 (2006) that integrates the efforts of UNIFIL, the
office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL)
and the United Nations Country Team, to further involve the
Government of Lebanon in the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006)
and increase its involvement in southern Lebanon, and to further the
strategic dialogue and increase the capacity of the Lebanese Armed
Forces. The latter is intended to facilitate gradual assumption by
the Lebanese Armed Forces of effective and sustainable security
control of the UNIFIL area of operations and Lebanese territorial
waters, as a key element to support moves towards a permanent
ceasefire.
UNIFIL
continues to play a crucial role in ensuring peace and stability in
southern Lebanon, as well as full respect for the Blue Line by both
parties.
In
accordance with its mandate, UNIFIL continues to monitor the
cessation of hostilities and assist the Lebanese Armed Forces in
taking steps towards the establishment between the Blue Line and the
Litani River of an area free of any unauthorized armed personnel,
assets and weapons. UNIFIL remains engaged with the parties on the
outstanding issue of northern Ghajar, and continues to focus on all
violations of the resolution, including ground and air violations.
UNIFIL also takes all necessary action within its capabilities to
ensure that its area of operations is not utilized for hostile
activities of any kind.
Cooperation
between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces continues to be
essential for the implementation of UNIFIL’s mandate. UNIFIL and
the Lebanese Armed Forces continue to conduct a substantial number of
coordinated operational activities. The recent temporary
redeployments of some units of Lebanese Armed Forces from the South
Litani Sector to elsewhere in the country have not affected overall
security control in the UNIFIL area of operations because UNIFIL has
increased its operational activities. The current strength of the
Lebanese Armed Forces in the UNIFIL area of operations stands at
approximately two Brigades and one battalion.
The
Lebanese Armed Forces leadership has committed to restore the
strength of the Lebanese Armed Forces to three Brigades in the South
Litani Sector as soon as the situation allows it. In line with the
Strategic Review, UNIFIL continues to work closely with the Lebanese
Armed Forces through the strategic dialogue in support of the
implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). UNIFIL is exploring with
donors, including troop-contributing countries and other Member
States, and UNSCOL, the possibility of creating a coordination
mechanism to ensure a comprehensive approach and support to the
strategic dialogue process.
UNIFIL’s
liaison and coordination arrangements with the parties, including the
tripartite mechanism, have facilitated a number of recent
constructive and pragmatic measures. UNIFIL continues to build on its
efforts in promoting practical arrangements on the ground and
understandings between the Lebanese Armed Forces and Israel Defense
Forces, which would serve to further stabilize the situation along
the Blue Line, remove pretexts and possible points of friction, and
prevent future incidents, as well as build trust.
The
process of visibly marking the Blue Line is proceeding with the
marking of non-contentious points. The parties are continuing to give
their full support to Blue Line marking as an essential
confidence-building measure.
The
Mission has continued to ensure that the tripartite mechanism is as
flexible as possible and able to discuss a wider range of issues at
the request of the parties. In this regard, the parties have agreed
to discuss maritime security issues through the tripartite mechanism.
There
has been no progress in the establishment of a UNIFIL office in Tel
Aviv.
The
overall attitude of the local population towards UNIFIL remains
positive. This notwithstanding, incidents of unfriendly behaviour and
freedom of movement restrictions towards UNIFIL patrols and personnel
continue to occur. Some of these incidents involved stone throwing
and the taking of United Nations property, such as cameras,
geographical information systems, communication equipment and maps,
from UNIFIL personnel by local civilians. UNIFIL strongly protested
the incidents to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The UNIFIL Force
Commander has instructed UNIFIL troops to apply the rules of
engagement in defence of themselves and their property while
maintaining a non-confrontational posture. UNIFIL will continue to
work closely with the Lebanese authorities, with the aim of
minimizing the occurrence of such incidents. In addition, and in line
with the recommendations of the Strategic Review, UNIFIL is
developing a sustainable, long-term strategy, which includes
reinforcement of UNIFIL Civil Affairs capacity, particularly its
national staff component, and strengthening its coordination of
public outreach activities.
UNIFIL’s
freedom of movement and the security and safety of its personnel is
integral to the effective execution of its tasks. Security Council
resolution 1773 (2007) urges all parties to cooperate fully with the
United
Nations and UNIFIL, and to abide scrupulously by their obligation to
respect the safety of UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel,
including by avoiding any course of action which endangers United
Nations personnel and by ensuring UNIFIL is accorded full freedom of
movement within its area of operations. The primary responsibility
for ensuring freedom of movement to UNIFIL personnel in the area of
operations lies with the Lebanese authorities.
The
total number of military personnel, as of 15 July 2012, stands at
11,467. That number includes 10,043 UNIFIL ground troops deployed in
two sectors, and 997 personnel serving in the Maritime Task Force.
The UNIFIL civilian component numbers 346 international and 658
national staff. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations continues
to work closely with the UNIFIL Force Commander and Head of Mission
to validate the observations and recommendations of the Military
Capability Study and ensure that UNIFIL capability to implement its
mandated tasks is in no way curtailed and is consistent with the
priorities of the Strategic Review.
I
am grateful to the 38 troop-contributing countries that make up
UNIFIL for their ongoing commitment. This commitment, coupled with
the development of a strategic partnership with the Lebanese Armed
Forces, has enabled the successful implementation of several key
aspects of resolution 1701 (2006). However, as the UNIFIL mandate
approaches its expiration date, it is clear that more work remains to
be done.
I
would like to express my appreciation to the UNIFIL Force Commander
and Head of Mission, Major-General Serra, and to all the military and
civilian personnel of UNIFIL, for the work they are carrying out in
southern Lebanon in the service of peace.
Regarding
the financial aspects of UNIFIL, by its resolution 66/277, the
General Assembly appropriated to the Special Account for UNIFIL the
amount of US$524.0 million gross for the maintenance of the Mission
for the period from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013. Should the Security
Council decide to extend the mandate of the Mission beyond 31 August
2012, the cost of maintaining it will be limited to the amounts
approved by the General Assembly.
As
of 17 July 2012, unpaid assessed contributions to the UNIFIL Special
Account amounted to US$100.4 million. At present, money owed to the
Member States that contribute the troops who make up UNIFIL totals
US$12.8
million.
Reimbursement
of troop and contingent-owned equipment costs have been made for the
period up to 31 May 2012
and
31 March 2012, respectively, in accordance with the quarterly payment
schedule. I appeal to all Member States to pay their assessments
promptly and in full to clear all remaining arrears.
With
the above information in mind, I recommend that the Council extend
the mandate of UNIFIL for a further period of 12 months, until
31 August 2013.
I
would be grateful if you would bring this letter to the attention of
the members of the Council.
Please
accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration.
BAN
Ki-moon
Follow me on Twitter @NabilAbiSaab
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