Ban's report on 1701: Lebanese elections should be conducted within constitutional timeframe

Ban Ki-moon addresses a joint press conference with

United States Secretary of State John Kerry. 14 February 2013

Attached is an advance copy of the Report of the Secretary-General on the Implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) for the information of the members of the Security Council.

This report will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/2013/120.
27 February 2013

Report of the Secretary-General on the Implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006)

Reporting Period 30 October 2012 to 28 February 2013

I. Introduction

1. The present report provides a comprehensive assessment of the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) since my last report of 14 November 2012 (S/2012/837).
2. Against the backdrop of the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon continued to hold and the situation south of the Litani River and along the Blue Line generally remained stable. Although there was no substantive progress towards implementation of their respective outstanding obligations under resolution 1701 (2006), the parties maintained their commitment to the resolution. During the reporting period, both parties sought to reassure the other side through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that they did not wish to see any resumption of hostilities and, in some instances, sought to develop further security and liaison arrangements with UNIFIL.

3. Nevertheless, unidentified armed groups attempted on two occasions to launch rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel, coinciding with the timing of the conflict in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel from 14 to 21 November 2012. UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces responded to the outbreak of the hostilities by enhancing their coordinated activities in UNIFIL’s area of operations.

4. Lebanese President Michel Sleiman visited UNIFIL Headquarters in Naqoura on 18 January 2013 to express Lebanon’s appreciation for the work of UNIFIL and highlight the partnership that exists between the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL in the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006).

5. Violent incidents continued to occur across the Lebanese-Syrian border during the reporting period although there was a substantial decrease in casualties. At least three Lebanese citizens were killed including a child by shots fired from Syria and Syrian Government forces were responsible for further incidents of cross-border shelling which caused material damage. The Lebanese Armed Forces reported continued smuggling of weapons destined for Syria. Members of a group of fighters crossing from Lebanon into Syria were reported to have been killed by Syrian Government forces near the Syrian town of Tal Kalakh. The Syrian authorities have returned ten bodies for burial in Lebanon. Nine of the pilgrims abducted on 22 May 2012 in Syria are still detained.

6. The incident in Tal Kalakh prompted a further round of fighting in Tripoli between the Sunni community of Bab al Tabbaneh and the adjacent Alawite neighbourhood of Jabel Mohsen, which lasted from 4 to 10 December and left 17 dead and more than 40 wounded. This was the sixth outbreak of violence in Tripoli since the beginning of 2012. On 4 February, a Lebanese court issued an arrest warrant for Syrian General Ali Mamlouk, head of the Syrian National Security Bureau, in connection with the investigation into the Michel Samaha case, on which I have previously reported. On 20 February, a judge issued an indictment against the three suspects in the case.

Security Council draft statement on Jaradat's death

Morocco proposed this draft statement in the Security Council but the Council members couldn't reach an agreement on it, diplomats said. 

Draft elements to the press

l- The members of the Security Council expressed their serious concerns about the death of a Palestinian man, Arafat Jaradat, in Israeli detention on 23 February 2013, following his arrest on 18 February and about the circumstances surrounding his detention and death. They took note of the preliminary Íindings of the autopsy that Was conducted on Mr. Jaradat’s body, With the participation of Israeli and Palestinian experts. They called for an independent and impartial investigation into this tragic incident as soon as possible.

2- The members of the Security Council recalled the international human rights and humanitarian law obligations towards all Palestinian prisoners and detainees being held by Israel, the occupying Power, and called for full respect of these obligations. In this connection, they also stressed the obligations towards those being held by Israel in administrative detention, including several Palestinians on hunger strikes, Whose deteriorating health conditions are of concern and Whose plight is in urgent need of a humane solution.

3- The members of the Security stressed the need for a de-escalation of the situation on the ground and called for a cessation of all acts of provocation, incitement and Violence. They called for immediate efforts by all concerned parties to diffuse the current tense situation in order to avert further destabilization, to preserve calm, and to salvage the prospects for reviving peace negotiations towards the achievement a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Russian draft statement on "terrorist attacks in Damascus"

Security Council draft Press Statement on terrorist attacks in Damascus

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack that occurred in downtown Damascus, Syria on 21 February, 2013, in close proximity to diplomatic missions, causing scores of deaths and injuries. They expressed their deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims of these heinous acts and to their families, and to the people of Syria.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

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Syrian Coalition establishes a framework for future political solutions

Syrian Coalition establishes a framework for future political  solutions

Cairo, Egypt. February 15, 2013.

The Interim Political Advisory Committee of the Syrian Coalition establishes a framework for any political  solution. 

The Interim Advisory Political Committee of the Syrian Coalition held its regular meeting to discuss the latest political and field developments. Members of the committee examined the domestic, regional and international  developments that relate to the Syrian revolution. As the Syrian Coalition is keen on elevating the suffering of the Syrian people, the protection of Syria's national unity, saving Syria from the crimes committed by Assad's regime, and preventing foreign interference, the committee developed the following framework for any political solution:

1.  Achieving the objectives of the revolution in achieving justice, freedom, and dignity, as well as sparing the country from any further devastation and preserving the unity of Syria in order to achieve a transition to a civil and democratic system that ensures equal rights for all Syrians.

2. Bashar Assad and security leadership who are responsible for the current destruction of the country are outside the political process and must be held accountable for their crimes.

3. All Syrians will be part of any future political solution, including those currently serving with the state institutions, Baathists, political, civil and social forces as long as they did not participate in any crimes committed against other Syrians. 

4. Any acceptable political initiative must have a clear timeline and clearly stated objectives. 

5. Member States of the Security Council, especially Russia and the United States of America, must secure appropriate international support and adequate safeguards to make this process possible. They should adopt such political initiative, which could result in issuing binding resolution from the UN Security Council.

6. We expect Russia to turn its statements about not adhering to having Bashar Assad into practical steps.  Any agreement between Russia and Syrians must be done with legitimate representatives for the Syrian people. Such agreement will not be implemented as long as Assad and his regime are controlling the government.

7. The Iranian leadership must recognize that its support of Bashar Assad is pushing the region towards sectarian conflict, which is not be in the interest of anyone. Iranian government should realize that  Assad and his regime have no chance to stay in power nor will they be part of any future solution for Syria. 

8. The friends of the Syrian people should understand lasting political solution that ensures the stability of the region and preserves the institutions of the state will only take place through changing the balance of power on the ground which requires supporting the Syrian coalition and Joint Chiefs of Staff with all possible means. 

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الائتلاف الوطني السوري المعارض يصدر إطار حل سياسي

القاهرة، ١٥ شباط ٢٠١٣

انعقدت الهيئة السياسة المؤقتة للائتلاف الوطني لقوى الثورة و المعارضة السورية في القاهرة في يوم الخميس بتاريخ ١٤-٢-٢٠١٣ بحضور جميع أعضائها و ذلك لمناقشة آخر المستجدات على الصعيدين الميداني و السياسي. وبحث أعضاء الهيئة المستجدات الداخلية والإقليمية والدولية. وحرصاً من الائتلاف الوطني لقوى الثورة والمعارضة السورية على رفع المعاناة عن الشعب السوري وحماية وحدته الوطنية و تجنيب بلادنا ويلات الدمار التي يمعن النظام المجرم في اقترافها، و منعا للتدخلات الخارجية و مخاطرها، ترى الهيئة السياسية أن محددات الحل السياسي لابد أن تستند إلى النقاط الجوهرية التالية:

1. تحقيق أهداف ثورة الشعب السوري في العدالة والحرية والكرامة، وحقن أقصى ما يمكن من دماء السوريين وتجنيب البلاد المزيد من الدمار والخراب والمخاطر الكثيرة التي تحدق بها، والمحافظة على وحدة سوريا الجغرافية والسياسية والمجتمعية بما يحقق الانتقال إلى نظام ديمقراطي مدني يساوي بين السوريين جميعاً.
2. إن بشار الأسد والقيادة الأمنية – العسكرية المسؤولة عن القرارات التي أوصلت حال البلاد إلى ما هي عليه الآن خارج إطار هذه العملية السياسية وليسوا جزء من أي حل سياسي في سوريا، ولابد من محاسبتهم على ما اقترفوه من جرائم. 
3. إن الحل السياسي ومستقبل بلادنا المنشود يعني جميع السوريين بمن فيهم الشرفاء في أجهزة الدولة والبعثيين وسائر القوى السياسية والمدنية والاجتماعية ممن لم يتورطوا في جرائم ضد أبناء الشعب السوري والذين لا يمكن أن يكون بشار الأسد وأركان نظامه ممثلين لهم.
4. إن أي مبادرة تستند إلى هذه المحددات يجب أن يكون لها إطار زمني محدد وهدف واضح معلن.
5. على الدول الأعضاء في مجلس الأمن ،وبخاصة روسيا والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، أن تؤمن الرعاية الدولية المناسبة والضمانات الكافية لجعل هذه العملية ممكنة وأن تتبنى الاتفاق الذي يمكن أن ينتج عنها عبر قرار ملزم في مجلس الأمن الدولي.
6. ننتظر من روسيا الاتحادية أن تحول أقوال مسؤليها لجهة عدم تمسكهم ببقاء بشار الأسد إلى خطوات عملية، وإن أي تفاهم روسي مع السوريين يجب أن يكون عبر ممثلين شرعيين وحقيقين للشعب السوري، وأن تدرك أن أي تفاهم من هذا النوع لا يمكن أن يجد طريقه إلى التنفيذ على أرض الواقع طالما أن عائلة الأسد وأركان نظامه موجودون على رأس السلطة.
7. على القيادة الإيرانية أن تدرك أن سياستها بدعم بشار الأسد تحمل مخاطر اندلاع صراع طائفي في المنطقة، وذلك لن يكون في مصلحة أي طرف من الأطراف. على إيران أن تدرك أن بشار الأسد ونظامه لم يعد لهما أي حظ بالبقاء ومن المحال أن ينتصرا على إرادة الشعب.
8. المطلوب من أصدقائنا وأشقائنا أن يدركوا أن باب الحل السياسي الذي يضمن حقن الدماء والاستقرار والحفاظ على مؤسسات الدولة لن يفتح إلا عبر تغيير موازين القوى على الأرض، بما يعني ذلك من إمداد الائتلاف الوطني لقوى الثورة والمعارضة السورية وهيئة الأركان العسكرية المشتركة بكل أسباب القوة.

Security Council warns Saleh to stop undermining transition in Yemen

The UN Security Council adopted this unprecedented presidential statement on Yemen on 15 February 2013.

نص البيان الرئاسي الرسمي باللغة العربية - أنقر هنا. 

1. 

   Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon meets with 

   Jamal Benomar (third from left), his Special Adviser 

   on Yemen. New York, 08 February 2013.

   The Security Council welcomes President Hadi’s announcement of the launch of the National Dialogue Conference on 18 March and commends those that have engaged constructively in the preparatory stages of the process. The Security Council also welcomes the issuance of a decree regarding the formation of the Executive Bureau for the Mutual Accountability Framework.  

2. The Security Council reiterates the need for the transitional period to be a Yemeni-led process, underpinned by a commitment to democracy, good governance, rule of law, national reconciliation and respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people in Yemen.

3. The Security Council emphasises the need for the National Dialogue Conference to be conducted in an inclusive manner involving the full participation of all segments of Yemeni society, including representatives from the South and other regions, and the full and effective participation of youth and women, as stipulated in the final report of the Preparatory Committee. The Security Council calls upon all parties to honour the timetable and benchmarks set out in the transition agreement and for all sides to act in good faith, in a peaceful, transparent, constructive, and reconciliatory manner. The Security Council maintains its expectation that the National Dialogue Conference will lead to a constitutional referendum and elections by February 2014. 

4. The Security Council urges all the parties in Yemen to adhere to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation, reject acts of violence to achieve political goals, refrain from provocations, and fully abide by resolutions 2014 (2011) and 2051 (2012). The Security Council expresses concern over reports of interference in the transition by individuals in Yemen representing the former regime, the former opposition, and others who do not adhere to the guiding principles of the Implementation Mechanism Agreement for the transition process, including  .  former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and former Vice President Ali Salim Al-Beidh. The Security Council reiterates its readiness to consider further measures, including under Article 41 of the UN Charter, if actions aimed at undermining the Government of National Unity and the political transition continue.

5. The Security Council expresses concern over reports of money and weapons being brought into Yemen from outside for the purpose of undermining the transition.

6. The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen.

7. The Security Council urges the Yemeni Government to pass legislation on transitional justice to support reconciliation without further delay. The Council further urges the need to respect rule of law and protect human rights, in accordance with Yemen’s international legal obligations, particularly those of women and people belonging to vulnerable groups, such as children. The Security Council welcomes in this regard the commitment by the Government to end the recruitment and use of children by the Yemeni security forces through the adoption and implementation of an Action Plan in line with resolution 1612 (2005).

8. The Security Council remains closely engaged on the situation in Yemen and will continue to closely follow the next steps towards a peaceful political transition. In this regard it welcomes the continued and coordinated efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council, “Group of Ten Ambassadors”, the Secretary General’s Good Offices, including through the Special Adviser Jamal Benomar, the wider diplomatic community, and the next Friends of Yemen meeting that will take place on 7 March in London. The Security Council underscores the need for continued international support for Yemen’s political transition, including through the fulfilment of commitments made by donors to support Yemen.

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Security Council draft statement on Yemen

1.  The Security Council welcomes President Hadi’s announcement of the launch of the National Dialogue Conference on 18 March and commends those that have engaged constructively in the preparatory stages of the process. The Security Council also welcomes the issuance of a decree regarding the formation of the Executive Bureau for the Mutual Accountability Framework. 

2.    The Security Council reiterates the need for the transitional period to be a Yemeni-led process, underpinned by a commitment to democracy, good governance, rule of law, national reconciliation and respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people in Yemen.

3.    The Security Council emphasises the need for the National Dialogue Conference to be conducted in an inclusive manner involving the full participation of all segments of Yemeni society, including representatives from the South and other regions, and the full and effective participation of youth and women, as stipulated in the final report of the Preparatory Committee. The Security Council calls upon all parties to honour the timetable and benchmarks set out in the transition agreement and for all sides to act in good faith, in a peaceful, transparent, constructive, and reconciliatory manner. The Security Council maintains its expectation that the National Dialogue Conference will lead to a constitutional referendum and elections by February 2014. 

4.    The Security Council urges all the parties in Yemen to adhere to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation, reject acts of violence to achieve political goals, refrain from provocations, and fully abide by resolutions 2014 (2011) and 2051 (2012). The Security Council expresses concern over reports of interference in the transition by individuals in Yemen representing the former regime, the former opposition, and others who do not adhere to the guiding principles of the GCC transition agreement.  The Security Council notes, in particular, persistent allegations against Ali Abdullah Saleh, Ali Salim Al-Beidh, and certain individuals and groups that receive money and weapons from outside of Yemen for the purpose of undermining the transition.  The Security Councilreiterates its readiness to consider further measures, including under Article 41 of the UN Charter, if actions aimed at undermining the Government of National Unity and the political transition continue.

5.    The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen.

6.    The Security Council urges the Government of Yemen to urgently pass legislation on transitional justice. The Council further urges the need to respect rule of law and protect human rights, in accordance with Yemen’s international legal obligations, particularly those of women and people belonging to vulnerable groups, such as children. The Security Council welcomes in this regard the commitment by the Government to end the recruitment and use of children by the Yemeni security forces through the adoption and implementation of an Action Plan in line with resolution 1612 (2005).

7.    The Security Council remains closely engaged on the situation in Yemen and will continue to closely follow the next steps towards a peaceful political transition. In this regard it welcomes the continued efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council, “Group of Ten Ambassadors” as well as the wider diplomatic community in Sana’a, and in coordination with the latter, the Secretary General’s Good Offices, including through the Special Adviser Jamal Benomar, and the next Friends of Yemen meeting that will take place on 7 March in London. The Security Council underscores the need for continued international support for Yemen’s political transition, including through the fulfilment of commitments made by donors to support Yemen. 

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Security Council press statement on DPRK nuclear test

Members of the Security Council have agreed on the following press statement:

The members of the Security Council held urgent consultations to address the serious situation arising from the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned this test, which is a grave violation of Security Council resolution 1718(2006), 1874(2009) and 2087(2013), and therefore there continues to exist a clear threat to international peace and security.

The members of the Security Council recalled that in January they unanimously adopted resolution 2087, which expressed the Council’s determination to take “significant action” in the event of a further DPRK nuclear test.

In line with this commitment and the gravity of this violation, the members of the Security Council will begin work immediately on appropriate measures in a Security Council resolution.

12 February 2013

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