Briefing
on the twenty-third semi-annual report of the Secretary-General on
the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004)
13
May 2016
Mr.
President, everybody, Good Morning
1. Thank
you for this opportunity to address you once again in order to
present the semi-annual report of the Secretary-General on the
implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004). In
my briefing, there are three main themes that I will focus on today:
first, the Presidency and the overall political situation, including
the municipal elections; second, the tensions between Lebanon and
some States in the region and their possible impact on Lebanon.
Third, I will address the security situation, including in
Palestinian refugee camps.
2. During
his visit to Lebanon on 24-25 March, the Secretary-General emphasized
these same themes: he reiterated
the need for political parties to elect a President to ensure
national unity. Further, he emphasized the importance of continued
support to Lebanon as it faces the impact of the crisis in Syria.
Mr.
President,
3. As
you are well aware, and as this Council emphasized again most
recently on 16 March, there has been no forward movement on the
Presidency. The free and fair election of a President of the Republic
without external interference is an essential focus of resolution
1559 (2004). In 11 days, it will be two full years that Lebanon has
been without a Head of State and Chief of the Armed Forces. The
longer that vacuum persists, the greater the pressure on other
functioning institutions, particularly the Parliament and the
Cabinet.
4. Despite
the hope voiced by some politicians in Lebanon that a solution is in
the making, it remains a matter of speculation whether this will
materialize in the near future. In that regard, statements indicating
that the vacuum will last for a sustained period of time are not
helpful. Lebanese politicians must be aware of the risks involved in
allowing the vacuum to perpetuate.
5. The
adverse effect of the continued boycott of parliamentary sessions is
also well known. Recent efforts by Speaker Berri with the various
political forces to hold a legislative session of Parliament are
noteworthy.
6. I
again call on Lebanese leaders to set aside their partisan
differences to make way for the election of a President. The election
is an internal Lebanese affair. It will be important for Lebanese
stakeholders to demonstrate their willingness to compromise. The
ongoing efforts by the international community to support Lebanon in
resolving the presidential vacuum must be built upon.
7. Prime
Minister Salam’s leadership in maintaining the unity of the Cabinet
should be commended. Speaker Berri’s successful support to the
dialogue between Hizbullah and the Future Movement is laudable. The
dialogue could be used as a forum for political actors to generate
consensus on presidential candidates, and pave the way to fill the
vacuum.
Mr.
President,
8. The
municipal elections started in Beirut on 8 May. These are the first
ones in six years. It is an important signal that functional channels
remain for citizens to exercise their democratic rights. It is
positive that these started on time. It is very encouraging that they
did take place in a peaceful manner. This is a tribute both to the
work of the security forces, and to the responsible behaviour of
citizens and political leaders. I hope that elections can continue as
planned.
9. In
the now positive atmosphere, I call on Lebanese politicians to keep
the momentum going and to turn their eyes to the presidential and the
parliamentary elections without further delay.
Mr.
President,
10. Regarding
the regional context, the report of the Secretary-General already
noted that on 6 March Hizbullah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah
publicly stated that his movement had sent personnel to Iraq. The
involvement of Hizbullah in conflicts in the region is of serious
concern, given the risk that regional sectarian tensions might impact
and increase tensions in Lebanon. This comes in addition to
Hizbullah’s long claimed engagement in the conflict in Syria and
the known risks to Lebanon’s stability resulting from it. I
reiterate the importance of the disassociation policy and the Baabda
declaration of 2012, and call on all Lebanese stakeholders to abide
by it and renew their commitment to its implementation.
11. In
its extraordinary session of 22 February, Prime Minister Salam on
behalf of the Lebanese Cabinet renewed the country’s commitment to
the disassociation policy, as formulated in the ministerial
statement. This statement by the whole Cabinet demonstrates the
willingness of Lebanon to preserve its security, sovereignty and
territorial integrity as it faces the continued spill-over of the
conflict from Syria. However, the statement should lead to
implementation where there is a strict connection between words and
deeds.
Mr.
President,
12. The
tensions between Lebanon and key players in the region have continued
since the decisions in March by the League of Arab States and the
Gulf Cooperation Council to declare Hizbullah a terrorist
organization. On 15 April, the Organization of the Islamic Conference
(OIC) condemned Hizbullah for “conducting terrorist
activities in Syria, Bahrain, Kuwait and Yemen and for supporting
terrorist movements and groups undermining the security and stability
of OIC member states”. Lebanon expressed reservations to the
condemnation. At the same time, Prime Minister Salam clarified and
reaffirmed in the clearest possible terms the principles of the
disassociation policy and the Baabda declaration.
13. Domestically,
it is essential that the dialogue between Hizbullah and the Future
Movement continue so that sectarian tensions along regional lines can
be prevented. However, that forum cannot be a substitute for the
resumption of the National Dialogue and the implementation of the
decisions made there.
Mr.
President,
14. Sustained
support to the Lebanese Armed Forces is necessary as it continues to
protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The role
of Lebanese Armed Forces as a multi-confessional and politically
independent and effective institution confronting threats to the
country’s stability is essential.
15. I
welcome the continued bilateral support to the Lebanese Armed Forces,
including the Memorandum of Understanding between Canada, the United
Kingdom, and Lebanon. It is a positive sign that in the twenty-sixth
session of their dialogue, Hizbullah and the Future Movement agreed
on adopting adequate measures to bolster internal stability. They
highlighted the obligation to uphold the efforts of the military and
security institutions in their work to protect the country and the
citizens. That consensus is a testimony to the importance that
Lebanese leaders attach to maintaining the country’s security and
stability. A similar unity of purpose across sectarian interests
would be instrumental in making progress on the Presidency.
16. Despite
the important security achievements yielded by the implementation of
the security plans, Lebanon is not immune to terrorist attacks. The
12 November bombing of Burj el-Barajneh, claimed by ISIL, sadly
reminded us of this fact. This attack was the deadliest since the end
of the Lebanese civil war and demonstrated ISIL’s reach in Lebanon.
The event targeted a mostly Shiite area and could have led to further
bloodshed through sectarian violence. The responsible reaction of
Lebanese politicians in the aftermath of the attack was commendable.
It is therefore equally significant that there were no further
terrorist attacks during the reporting period. This highlights the
impact of existing efforts by security services.
Mr.
President,
17. It
is of concern that, according to some Member States and actors on the
ground, the logistical capabilities of ISIL and the Nusra front in
Lebanon are said to be expanding, mostly in the Palestinian camps. On
12 April, a senior official of the Fatah Movement in the Mieh Mieh
camp, Fathi Zaidan, was killed in a car bomb explosion. This
triggered concerns that renewed armed clashes between Fatah and
Islamist extremist factions such as Fatah el-Islam and Jund al-Sham
could take place, in a bid to challenge the hegemony of mainstream
Fatah over the camp. This incident, and reports on increasing
capabilities of extremist armed elements in Palestinian refugee
camps, demonstrate the continued importance of implementing the
outstanding provisions of resolution 1559 (2004). This is
particularly relevant for the full disarmament and disbanding of all
militias.
18. On
21 March, UNRWA suspended the implementation of its revised
healthcare policy. The Agency entered into a dialogue with
Palestinian factions to address changes in its hospitalisation
policy, education, the reconstruction of the Nahr el-Bared camp and
support to Palestine refugees from Syria. The dialogue is under way.
Protests however have taken place repeatedly in front of the Agency’s
offices. According to UNRWA, it is likely that unrest will continue
and there is a potential for violence to increase. It is essential
that the Government of Lebanon ensure the protection of the Agency
and its staff and assets. I call on all concerned to pursue a
meaningful and constructive dialogue with UNRWA with a view to
resolving the current tensions and allowing a return to the Agency’s
normal activities. This situation also demonstrates that the
constraints weighing on UNRWA’s funding and its ability to provide
its vital relief services to Palestinian refugees may result in
security risks. Further to the recent call by the Secretary-General,
I appeal to donors to do their utmost to sustain UNRWA and its work
as a matter of priority for 2016.
Mr.
President,
19. As
regards the situation across the Blue Line, the Secretary-General
reported on unhelpful statements by Hizbullah secretary general
Nasrallah on both 16 February and 20 March. On 21 April, according to
media reports, a senior official from the Israel Defense Forces
stated that Hizbullah had developed capabilities that presented
unprecedented threats to Israel and that “any future crisis would
be a full-scale war” that could generate “devastating damage to
Lebanon”. I reiterate the call contained in the Secretary-General’s
report on both parties to refrain from provocative rhetoric and to
abide by their respective obligations. It is essential that the
parties continue to collaborate with UNIFIL and UNSCOL in taking
forward their obligations and in preventing an escalation.
20. Lebanon
has continued to be adversely impacted by the spill-over of the
conflict in Syria. As stated in the report of the Secretary-General,
there were repeated violations of Lebanese sovereignty and
territorial integrity on the eastern border during the reporting
period. On 28 April, two Islamic State militants, including a senior
commander, were killed by the Lebanese Armed Forces in the vicinity
of Arsal. This operation showed that threats to Lebanon stability
persist and the continued importance of existing efforts to
strengthen and reinforce the capacity of the LAF border regiment.
21. Violations
of Lebanese airspace through aerial overflights from Israel
continued, as did the occupation of the northern part of the village
of Ghajar and an adjacent area north of the Blue Line, in violation
of resolutions 1701 (2006) and 1559 (2004).
Mr.
President,
22. The
number of refugees from Syria in Lebanon remained stable during the
reporting period at over one million. In addition, there are 41,000
Palestinian refugees from Syria. The London conference has
demonstrated the sustained support of foreign governments to Lebanon
as it responds to the needs of refugees. The Statement of Intent by
Lebanon details key priorities for support. This comes in addition to
the ongoing emergency and stabilization needs outlined in the 2016
Lebanon Crisis Response Plan. Prime Minister Salam at the London
conference emphasized the important humanitarian, economic, and
social challenges Lebanon is facing and urged the prompt
implementation of the pledges.
23. Donor
countries have already been generous in their support. I welcome the
10 May statement by the co-host donors of the London conference: the
United Kingdom, Germany, Kuwait, and Norway. They pledged that they
would provide over $550 million this year for Lebanon. This is an
encouraging message. I call on other member states to heed this
example to support Lebanon as it continues to host the largest per
capita number
of refugees in the world.
24. The
fruitful joint visit of the Secretary-General, the President of the
World Bank and that of the Islamic Bank to Lebanon was an important
signal of the commitment of international institutions to the
country’s stability. The creative and innovative financing
mechanisms feed into the broader efforts at conflict prevention and
stabilization.
Mr.
President,
25. The
absence of progress on the presidential election could be
discouraging. Domestic actors have not yet made the courageous
compromises necessary to put an end to the vacuum. High-level
international engagement must continue and be sustained.
Lebanon remains under severe humanitarian, economic and social
pressures. Preventive efforts have so far been the hallmark of the
international community’s approach to Lebanon. This includes the
work of the International Support Group for Lebanon, which has
contributed significantly to preserving the fragile stability of the
country.
Mr.
President,
26. Let
me use this opportunity to take stock briefly of the state of play in
the implementation of resolution 1559. Undoubtedly, since the
resolution was passed in September 2004, a lot has been achieved. In
April 2005, the Syrian Arab Republic withdrew its troops and military
assets from Lebanon on the basis of the United Nations-mediated
security arrangements within the framework of resolution 1559. This
was followed by the establishment of full diplomatic relations
between both countries in 2009. Presidential and parliamentary
elections were conducted freely and fairly in 2008 and 2009,
respectively. These landmark events demonstrate the positive and
important impact that resolution 1559 has had on the political
independence and sovereignty of Lebanon.
27. At
the same time, other provisions of the resolution are not only
lagging behind, but the failure to implement them may also erode the
progress achieved so far. I have already spoken at length about the
presidential vacuum and its negative effect on the ability of Lebanon
to make important decisions. The current paralysis undermines the
institutions that have proven effective in running the country.
28. The
most outstanding provision of resolution 1559 is the disarmament and
disbandment of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias. Since 2004, not
only have the militias’ presence and activities continued, but if
anything they have expanded. Their growing capabilities are a source
of concern. They represent a major and dangerous threat to Lebanon’s
sovereignty, stability and political independence. Looking forward,
it is essential that all efforts be made to move forward outstanding
provisions of the resolution. This is also necessary to preserve the
existing achievements.
Mr.
President,
29. This
report is the twenty-third I brief the Council on. Having served as
Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on the implementation of
resolution 1559 for the last 12 years, I now wish to devote more time
to the work of the International Peace Institute (IPI) –
particularly in its partnership with the United Nations. I have asked
the Secretary-General to relieve me of my duties as Special Envoy and
Under-Secretary-General as of 31 May this year.
30. I
wish to inform you in my last briefing that I remain a strong
believer in the independence of the Special Envoy on resolution 1559
from other resolutions. This is all the more necessary given the
radically changed political landscape in and around Lebanon compared
with the realities on the ground at the time of the inception of
1559. The provisions of the resolution remain ever more valid and
important for the political independence, sovereignty, and
territorial integrity of Lebanon today.
31. It
has been a privilege serving the Secretary-General, the Security
Council, and the world Organization for all this time. I would like
to thank this Council for its confidence and consistent support over
the last 12 years. I also would like to use this opportunity to thank
my staff for their skilful work and their dedication: Fabrice Aidan,
Nicola Davies, Dawn Stephens, Aurelie Proust, and Anne-Laure Gilard.
Without any exceptions, it has been not only an honour but a real
pleasure to work hand in hand with you on the challenges pertaining
to the implementation of resolution 1559. These weigh heavily on the
future of peace and security for Lebanon and the Lebanese people. I
would like to say to all of you that, in my capacity as President of
the International Peace Institute, if I can be helpful in advancing
the efforts to ensure international peace and security, I will be at
your service.
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