YouSaid · the spoken record

Michel Sleiman

lines on the record: 50
first: 2008-09-24
most recent: 2013-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“For its part, Lebanon will remain faithful to the message of freedom and coexistence that are its hallmark, reiterating its commitment to implementing all decisions of international legitimacy and to upholding the spirit of moderation and agreement upon which Lebanon was founded. It will also remain an active partner in the context of the promotion of a culture of justice, peace and sustainable human development.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Thirdly, there is a need to intensify ongoing efforts aimed at reforming and developing the United Nations and its specialized agencies, so as to bring them into line with current realities and restore confidence in their capacity to resolve international issues, counter crime and adopt the appropriate resolutions and implement them without obstruction, free from selectivity and the policy of double standards. That would be an alternative to the logic of legitimate force that may be used by peoples whose countries have fallen victim to aggression and occupation, in the absence of a capable, guaranteed international mechanism.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The Middle East is the cradle of the monotheistic religions, whose peoples have coexisted for centuries, forged civilizations and enriched the history of humankind through their culture and the values of tolerance, goodwill and friendship. That shared responsibility cannot be based on international interests in that part of the world while ignoring the communities living there. Rather, it should take into account the interests of all of those minorities and their right to participate in all aspects of the life of their nation, as they are an integral part of its fabric.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“First, we must work to improve the political, financial and social systems that govern the affairs of peoples worldwide, in particular the democratic system, to make them more humane and better suited to diversity. This must be done in such a way so as to guarantee the involvement of all components of society, in particular minorities, in political life and in the management of public affairs in all States, regardless of what ratio of the population such minorities may represent, but, rather, on the basis of their capacity and heritage. Secondly, we must consider the preservation of an active presence on the part of minorities worldwide, with all the civilizations and specific characteristics that they represent, to be an international responsibility, especially in the Middle East.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“It is a model that is also experienced by the citizens on a daily basis on the streets of our cities, towns and in our capital, in the theatres, clubs, at the movies, in public and private institutions and in civil society organizations. The model, which has become a lifestyle, is lived with the sound of the church bells and the voices of the mosques’ muezzins ringing in our ears, in particular at joint celebrations, the most significant of which is the Common Religious National Day, celebrated on the day of the Annunciation on 25 March of every year, when everyone is urged to seek the common good. The management of diversity and the building of a culture of justice, peace and coexistence between cultures, civilizations and religions requires that we all make efforts at the following three levels.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“On the contrary, we have witnessed conflicts exacerbated by extremist terrorism continue to spring forth fuelled by isolationism that rejects dialogue, mutual recognition and coexistence. That has even led some to call for the return to religious emirates and racial segregation. In order to do so, those groups have applied violent methods that flout peace and public freedoms. Amid those unilateral fundamentalist tendencies, Lebanon remains a laboratory and a model of necessary coexistence for the future. That model must be allowed to benefit from support and stability because, as it has for decades, it has led to the education of students in our schools and universities and caused the security forces to fulfil their national missions in military camps in a spirit of unity.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In this transitional period where the Arab world is undergoing major historic upheaval and deep- wrought changes, the world as a whole is witnessing an fundamentl structural transformation due to the amazing scientific progress that has been achieved, in particular in the fields of communication and information. That progress will contribute to globalization in all aspects of life. We must therefore convey a spirit of pluralism and diversity within all societies as a necessary condition in order to match the accelerating pace of change. However, the regimes that run the affairs of peoples and societies have unfortunately not undergone a corresponding evolution at the intellectual level.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Stability, democracy and moderation will not prevail in the Middle East unless justice is done in Palestine, based on the belief that the security of the Arab region and the preservation of its cultural diversity are of strategic importance. Lebanon calls for the adoption of an integrated comprehensive approach that includes the participation of all States concerned and addresses all aspects of the Israeli-Arab conflict. At the same time, no solution should be taken at the expense of its superior interests. As a result, Lebanon will reject any compromise attempting to force an influx of Palestinian refugees on its territory.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The settlement policy has fostered a sense of frustration and a tendency towards extremism. Lebanon has been affected by the daily Israeli attacks against Lebanon and its infrastructure through the use of all sorts of prohibited weapons. Lebanon has paid a high price for those acts of aggression, with all that implies in terms of the burden on human lives and destruction. It therefore falls upon the international community to work to find a fair and comprehensive solution to the conflict in the Middle East, particularly with respect to the Palestinian cause, pursuant to the terms of reference of the Madrid Conference and the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“That is why the international community must adopt a firm stance in order to protect such sites, in particular through the adoption of an investigative mechanism that will assess the reality of the situation on the ground. We must work to encourage the countries of the region currently engaged in conflict to ensure that the logic of dialogue and negotiation prevails and to keep Lebanon from getting involved in the Syrian conflict, while encouraging those countries to contribute the necessary assistance and support for the Baabda Declaration, just as the Security Council has pledged its support. However, the main challenge that we face remains the Arab-Israeli conflict and Israeli settlement policy practices, not to overlook the difficulties created by it in terms of refugee flows.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Of course, all of that must take place while we work towards finding a political solution for the Syrian crisis that will preserve the unity of Syria. Lebanon has called attention to the need to bring to justice the perpetrators of the crimes that have been committed. Solutions must be found to ensure that the conflict does not spread to neighbouring countries. Today, we have an opportunity to condemn all terrorist attacks perpetrated anywhere in the world, particularly in the Middle East. I would like to comment on the attack that took place upon the historic town of Maaloula. That attack represents an assault on civilization and the tolerant spirit of religions.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Therefore, while we understand that it is not possible to impose the impossible on nations, it is important for me to reiterate my call on the States Members of the United Nations to provide sufficient human and financial resources to manage the presence of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and meet their humanitarian and essential needs, bearing in mind that the pledges undertaken at the meeting of donor States hosted by the State of Kuwait on 30 January have only been partially fulfilled; to expand infrastructure and reception areas for Syrian refugees within Syrian territories themselves and organize an international conference on the issue of Syrian refugees, with the aim of sharing the burden among different countries in accordance with the principle of shared responsibility while also assisting the International Support Group for Lebanon; and to garner support from all concerned States for the work of the International Support Group.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The Lebanese look to assistance not only in the name of brotherly solidarity and the shared responsibility of the international community as a whole, but also in the face of events that pose a threat to regional and international security. The first challenge is rooted in the repercussions of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon’s security and economy. An existential challenge has arisen, related to the growing number of Syrian refugees on Lebanese territory, which is far beyond Lebanon’s capacity to assimilate them. The number of refugees has already exceeded one quarter of the Lebanese population. As the Assembly knows, Lebanon is a country of limited geographical area and resources, as well as sensitive balances.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“They will have to remain committed to the Baabda Declaration, which advocates Lebanon distancing itself from regional crises and axis politics. It is equally essential to reach an agreement on a national strategy to ensure the exclusive defence of Lebanon in the face of Israel’s hostility and ongoing threats. Nevertheless, however strong the Lebanese commitment may be, we still require the care and support of brotherly and friendly countries in order to address the repercussions of external conflicts and crises that threaten our security and stability and have negative impacts on our socioeconomic situation.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“That is definitely the core objective of the meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon, which will be launched tomorrow afternoon, 25 September. Many countries represented here have witnessed uprisings, civil wars or foreign aggression. Lebanon, too, has experienced many wars, which have led to influxes of numerous refugees in our territory. Against all odds, the Lebanese have sought to assume the responsibility for restoring the glory of our country as a space for freedom and coexistence and to hallow their presence in the East within the confines of a State that embraced democracy from its very inception while ensuring respect for diversity within unity as well as personal and public freedoms. Through dialogue, the Lebanese will continue to develop their political system and improve their democratic practices.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I would first like to warmly congratulate you, Mr. President, on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its current session, and to express my full appreciation to the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, who has closely followed developments in the situation in Lebanon. I particularly wish to point out the presidential statement issued by the Security Council on 10 July (S/PRST/2013/9), which provides an effective road map for what the international community can do to help Lebanon in order to preserve its stability, promote its institutions, support its economy and army and to help it face the growing burden created by the refugees entering from Syria.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The general debate in the Assembly is an occasion for all of us to renew the vows we made in 1945 in order to address the challenges and crises facing us — by working through institutions of international legitimacy and agreed collective solutions, in conformity with the basic principles of the Charter of the United Nations, its resolutions and the provisions of international law, provided that they are based on the spirit of justice and avoid double standards. History has taught us that this choice is the one and only reasonable solution.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In conclusion, as we celebrate the centenary of International Women’s Day this year, we must take greater advantage of the potential and talents of half of humankind, rather than merely seeking to enshrine gender equality in principle. Women are making an enormous contribution to raising and educating the younger generation, promoting peace, reducing poverty, hunger, disease and environmental degradation, and promoting sustainable development opportunities.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“So far, however, it has been 31 11-50692 unable to show effectiveness in the Middle East, where grave dangers still threaten international peace and security as a result of Israel’s ongoing defiance of resolutions of international legitimacy; its unacceptable rejection of the basic conditions required for peace; and its persistence in conducting abusive practices in Gaza and the occupied territories, such as the illegal construction of settlements and violations of human rights. This demands that negotiations on reform of the Security Council come to fruition, so that the Council can be brought more into line with the new geopolitical situation and be capable of ensuring the implementation of its binding resolutions.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“While we thank those countries that have contributed military personnel and material for their continued commitment, in spite of the challenges they have encountered, we also firmly condemn the terrorist attacks in recent months on international forces, particularly the French and Italian battalions. We are working earnestly to pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice and to prevent any recurrence of such incidents. The United Nations has played an ever-growing role in maintaining international peace and security and in intervening to resolve disputes in many troubled regions of the world.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Furthermore, as we warned against any initiative to exploit the resources of the disputed maritime zones, we asked the Secretary-General to take all measures he deems appropriate to avoid any conflict. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the crucial role in south Lebanon of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) carried out in coordination and full cooperation with the Lebanese Army. I would also like to commend the dedication of UNIFIL commanders and staff in carrying out the mission they have been entrusted with, as well as the immense sacrifices they have made in the service of peace.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“On the other hand, we emphasize that we strongly uphold our full sovereign and economic rights over our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone and our freedom to exploit our natural resources, be they on land or in the deep sea, free from any designs or threats. We have addressed to the Secretary-General an extensive correspondence setting out the boundaries of our territorial waters and the legitimacy of our territorial rights. Specifically, we laid out the geographic coordinates of the southern and south- western borders of Lebanon’s exclusive economic zone. We raised particular objections to Israeli violations and aggression that violate those rights.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Lebanon calls once again on the international community to bring pressure to bear on Israel to abide by all its provisions. Those provisions require Israel to halt its daily violations of Lebanese sovereignty and to withdraw immediately from Lebanese territories that it still occupies in the northern part of Al-Ghajar village, the Shaba’a farms and the hills of Kfar Shouba. Furthermore, Israel must cease its persistent threats against Lebanon and its infrastructure and its endeavours to destabilize the country through its spying networks and recruitment of agents. Meanwhile, we maintain our right to liberate or retrieve all of our occupied territories through all legitimate available means.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“To this day, those weapons threaten civilians on their farmlands and innocent children at play in open fields in South Lebanon. Israel should be condemned for its use of those weapons, and appropriate compensation should be demanded for the extensive property damage and harm to people it has caused Lebanon with those weapons. Israel should compensate as well for the overall damage caused by its repeated aggression against Lebanon, including damage caused by the oil slick that resulted from the Israeli bombardment of the Jiyeh Power Station in the summer of 2006. On the fifth anniversary of the adoption of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006), Lebanon reiterates its commitment to persevere in implementing that resolution.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In another context, Lebanon has recognized the Libyan National Transitional Council, and it expects Libyan officials, with whom it is communicating for this purpose, to uncover the fate of Imam Musa al-Sadr and his two companions, who were made to disappear in Libya during an official visit in 1978. A few days ago, Lebanon hosted the Second Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which concluded with the 2011 Beirut Declaration. That was a defining moment in the implementation of the Convention. Humanitarian considerations are at the heart of international concern about cluster munitions. The Meeting highlighted the terrible human fallout of those weapons, which were used heavily by Israel during its aggression of July 2006.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“11-50692 30 Until a final and just political solution to the question of Palestine is reached — one guaranteeing the Palestinian refugees’ right of return — the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) remains responsible for the relief of Palestinian refugees, in cooperation with the host countries. Along with our Palestinian brothers, Lebanon rejects any form of permanent settlement of those refugees. For that reason the UNRWA budget must be constantly maintained. The Agency must not be merged with other United Nations bodies, which would weaken its capacity.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In that connection, it is important to underscore the right and just Palestinian effort to earn full recognition of the State of Palestine and for its full membership in the United Nations, in accordance with the right to self-determination. Lebanon will work for the success of those efforts, with the coordination and cooperation of brotherly and friendly countries. However, recognition of the Palestinian State and its accession to the United Nations, though greatly important, would neither restore full rights to the Palestinians nor represent a final solution to the Palestinian question.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Any such approaches require serious, determined efforts — within the framework of an integrated process — to impose a just and comprehensive solution to all aspects of the conflict in the Middle East, based on international resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference and the Arab Peace Initiative in all its provisions. That would lay the foundation for a broader dialogue and understanding between the East and the West and among civilizations, cultures and religions. Such an understanding is historically overdue, after decades marked by feelings of injustice and hostility, destructive wars and missed opportunities.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“At the same time, it must be brought to the attention of the international community that the wave of popular protest that has arisen in some Arab countries cannot be perceived as stemming simply from demands to improve living conditions. Therefore, allocating funds to support economic and social development in Arab countries undergoing transition is not by itself sufficient to promote democracy, moderation and openness. Indeed, means should be explored to dispel feelings of injustice and oppression rankling in the hearts of Arab peoples, who have been marginalized for decades, their development and growth impeded by Israeli practices and threats, on one hand, and by their exclusion from the tide of modernity and globalization, on the other.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Lebanese intellectuals, members of the media and activists have championed and laboured for every movement of reawakening in the Levant, to make the region a beacon of revitalization. Along with them, Lebanon welcomes any peaceful approach or means to achieve reform, to consecrate the principles of democracy, justice and modernity and to preserve human dignity and fundamental freedoms. Only through those principles and systems can security and peace for all segments of our societies be achieved and an environment conducive to sound human development be ensured. We must respond to the recent upwellings and changes in the Arab world in such a way that they serve its common good, foster its progress and dignity and prevent it from veering towards extremism, chaos, fragmentation and religious or sectarian division.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Moreover, “[t]he people are the source of authority and sovereignty; they shall exercise these powers through the constitutional institutions”. Indeed, Lebanon has committed itself to those principles, to the devolution of power and to the participation of all religious communities in the management of public affairs, in spite of the wars and aggression it has suffered over decades. Moreover, Lebanon has always been committed to respecting legitimate international decisions and resolutions, including those of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, as the ministerial statements of the successive Lebanese Cabinets have asserted. Over the past months, the Arab region has witnessed events and mass popular movements calling for freedom, democracy and the establishment of the rule of law, rejecting authoritarianism, favouritism and corruption.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“In addition, there are other issues such as the persistent tensions on the Korean peninsula, natural disasters that threaten different parts of the world and the persistence of the phenomenon of terrorism as we commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 11 September attacks, which we strongly condemn. I stand before the General Assembly today as the representative of a country that since its inception has carried the message of freedom, concord and moderation. Lebanon strives to consecrate and consolidate that message, in spite of the challenges and threats, both in the East and the West, to models of coexistence and cultural diversity. In accordance with its Constitution, Lebanon is “a parliamentary democratic republic based on respect for civil liberties, especially the freedom of opinion and belief”.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“First of all, I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session, especially since you represent a brotherly country that has constantly shown solidarity with Lebanon and has played a key role in advancing agreement and mutual understanding in the Doha Agreement and in Lebanon’s reconstruction. I do this hoping that our deliberations will contribute to 29 11-50692 shedding light on rightful causes and buttressing the logic of justice. This year’s General Assembly is held in a context dominated by major Arab developments and the rightful Palestinian endeavour for the State of Palestine to be recognized and to obtain full membership in the United Nations.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Moreover, in his homily delivered during his apostolic journey to Lebanon in 1997, John Paul II characterized Lebanon as “a country of many religious faiths, [which] has shown that these different faiths can live together in peace, brotherhood and cooperation”. With 18 different sects coexisting on its soil, and having successfully preserved its democratic system and fundamental freedoms in spite of all sorts of challenges, Lebanon aspires today to become an international centre for the management of dialogue of civilizations and cultures, hoping that the forces of good in the world will prevail and that we can be constructive in our efforts to reach a just and comprehensive solution to all aspects of the conflict in the Middle East as soon as possible.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Lebanon’s philosophy has been based on dialogue and coexistence from the day its citizens approved the National Covenant in 1943, and subsequently when they approved the 1989 National Reconciliation Agreement in Taif. Those themes were also repeatedly stressed in the 2008 Doha agreement. In the face of worsening international conflicts that herald a potential clash of civilizations, Lebanon might well represent a needed international example as a living laboratory of dialogue of cultures and religions. In his Apostolic Letter of 1989, His Holiness the late Pope John Paul II described Lebanon as “more than a country; it is a message of freedom and a model of pluralism for both the East and the West”.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“That approach will contribute to preserving human rights, and humanity will thus be able to prevent other world wars, regional conflicts and the transnational phenomenon of terrorism, as well as upheavals in our globalized economies, global crises and food crises. All of those matters represent major threats that could spark new wars that might spill over onto the regional level and from one continent to the next. We need to push for United Nations reform in order to meet that new international challenge. Lebanon is extremely pleased to announce that we have been nominated once again to a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the biennium 2010- 2011. We are of course committed to making a positive and constructive contribution to the Council and hope that we will have the support of all friendly and brotherly States.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Similarly, we hope that a more effective project to build solidarity in the face of natural disasters will be quickly and efficiently finalized in view of the increasing risks arising from climate change, global warming, environmental degradation and the spread of wildfires in forests and green spaces. Deeply rooted in history and, with the rise of nationalist movements, a contributor to the shaping of the Arab renaissance at the political, cultural, intellectual and social levels, as well as a founding member of the League of Arab States, Lebanon is devoted to preserving Arab solidarity. In that context, we need to revisit the concept of cooperation and good- neighbourliness between countries to consolidate peace and solidarity in the world.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In that context, Lebanon interacts in a special way with the needs and aspirations of the African continent, where hundreds of thousands of Lebanese citizens have been living on its 15 08-51606 generous soil for over a century, contributing to Africa’s prosperity and development under difficult circumstances. Accordingly, we support the political declaration issued yesterday at the high-level meeting on Africa’s development needs. We therefore believe that a major international effort should be undertaken to finance programmes to combat poverty, disease and illiteracy as a means to preserve human dignity and to prevent further armed conflicts on that continent.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Secondly, it is difficult for a small country like Lebanon, with limited resources and a population below 4 million people, to provide a decent livelihood for more than 400,000 Palestinian refugees on its territory at a time when large segments of the Lebanese people are emigrating in search of their own livelihoods. Thirdly, the resettlement of Palestinian refugees is explicitly rejected in the preamble to the Lebanese Constitution, and by the Taif Agreement, which has been recognized and enshrined by resolutions of the United Nations and constitutes a key element of consensus in Lebanon. While the issue of Lebanon is at the centre of attention of the United Nations, the agenda of our General Assembly is full of items and of political, economic, social and environmental topics that are still waiting for a comprehensive solution.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We call on the international community to assume its full responsibilities to provide the necessary financial resources to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and to support the work carried out by the Lebanese State in this area, until a just solution to the Palestinian problem is found. From this rostrum, Lebanon cannot but draw the attention of the international community once again to its absolute rejection of any form of resettlement of the Palestinian refugees on its territory, for the following main reasons. First, the resettlement of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon runs counter to their right to return to their homeland and homes, which is reaffirmed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the relevant United Nations resolutions.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Lebanon closely follows the developments of the situation in the Middle East. In view of its commitment to just Arab causes, especially the cause of Palestine, Lebanon reiterates its commitment to the process of achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region and to the Arab peace initiative that was unanimously adopted by Arab leaders at the 2002 Beirut Summit. Having said that, Lebanon stresses the need for Israel to withdraw from all Arab territories that are still under occupation and stresses the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to return to their land and to establish their independent State on their national soil.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The sixth challenge is to develop a comprehensive national strategy to protect and defend Lebanon, which would be adopted and coordinated through genuine national dialogue, which we held on 16 September. That is in accord with the Doha Agreement, which is based on the sincere will for national reconciliation and on extending the authority of the Lebanese State over all of its territory. On this occasion, Lebanon reiterates its commitment to the international tribunal established under Security Council resolution 1757 (2007) to investigate the crime of the assassination of martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and his companions. Lebanon is cooperating with the relevant organs of the United Nations to bring the truth to light and to achieve the process of justice away from any politicization.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The States concerned are therefore called upon to meet their pledges to provide the necessary resources for demining declustering programmes. Fifthly, we need to confront terrorism in all its forms and to maintain internal civic peace. The Lebanese army and the internal security forces have been subjected to brutal attacks by terrorist groups in recent years. They were forced to confront such terrorist groups and make costly and huge sacrifices to defend the dignity of the Lebanese people and their security and stability. In their efforts to combat Israeli terrorist operations, the Lebanese security services managed to arrest the head of an Israeli network that carried out espionage and assassination operations on Lebanese soil.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The second challenge is the recovery or liberation of the remaining occupied Lebanese territory in Shabaa Farms, the hills of Kfarshuba and the northern part of 08-51606 14 the village of Al-Ghajar, and the upholding of our rights to our water. Thirdly, Israel must be forced to stop its extensive air breaches of Lebanon’s sovereignty. In its most recent briefing to the Security Council, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations confirmed the provocative nature of those actions. Fourthly, we must obtain all the maps of landmines and cluster-bomb sites left behind by Israel on Lebanese soil. Their presence constitutes a direct threat to the civilian population, especially children. It deprives farmers and families of their livelihood and prevents them from cultivating their land.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In 2000, thanks to its people, army and resistance, Lebanon was able to force Israel to withdraw from most of the Lebanese territory that it occupied. This year, successful efforts were made, with the help of the United Nations, to complete the liberation of the Lebanese prisoners and detainees from Israeli prisons. Despite these achievements and its continued commitment to the resolutions of international legitimacy, Lebanon still faces a host of urgent risks and challenges that require the following. First, the international community should compel Israel to fully implement resolution 1701 (2006) and stop its serious threats to launch a new war against Lebanon. Such threats are acts of aggression that adversely affect the Lebanese State, the national economy and civil society.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“The Organization issued a series of resolutions in support of Lebanon’s independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, notably Security Council resolutions 425 (1978), which called for an immediate and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, and 1701 (2006), which “calls upon the Government of Israel ... to withdraw all of its forces from southern Lebanon”. Lebanon reiterates its commitment to the full content of that resolution. Mr. Yañez-Barnuevo (Spain), Vice-President, took the Chair. However, the intransigence of Israel and its failure to comply with the will of the United Nations Security Council pushed Lebanon to adopt, in conjunction with diplomacy, other legitimate options.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I recall the two massacres of Qana that were perpetrated against innocent children, women and the elderly, as well as the aggression of July 2006 in which tens of thousands were killed and wounded and displaced which led to the destruction of bridges and civilian facilities in various parts of the country. The Israeli bombardment of the Jiyeh power plant and its fuel storage tanks caused an environmental catastrophe resulting from an oil slick along the Lebanese coastline. That prompted the General Assembly of the United Nations to request Israel to provide immediate and adequate compensation to Lebanon for the damage and pollution it caused. Israel must pay due compensation for the full damage it caused through its repeated aggression against Lebanon. The United Nations has not hesitated to shoulder its responsibilities towards Lebanon.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Its constitution of 1926 embraces freedom of opinion, freedom of belief and justice and rejects confessionalism and fanaticism. In its endeavour to put this democracy into practice, our nation experienced a distinctive alternation of power despite all the crises, aggression and wars it has known. Today, our country is preparing for new parliamentary elections. The young Lebanese nation that emerged in 1943, however, suffered from the aftermath of the catastrophe that befell Palestine in 1948. It has received on its narrow territory hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees. Since the late sixties, it has been subject to two large-scale Israeli invasions and to a series of Israeli devastating attacks that wreaked havoc in terms of lives, property and infrastructure. The records kept by this Organization bear witness to that brutality.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I note also that in his report the Secretary- General notes that there is strong cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese army. I would like to confirm that Lebanon cares a great deal about the security and safety of those troops, especially vis-à-vis the terrorist attacks of which they have been the target. Lebanon is the cradle of an ancient civilization. Its peace-loving people set sail from their shores towards the European continent, carrying with them elements of an advanced alphabet and spreading in the Mediterranean realm and whatever horizons they were able to open the spirit of communication, dialogue, and free exchange. Lebanon, which believes in human and cultural values, is one of the oldest parliamentary democracies in the Middle East.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“I should like to begin by congratulating you, Sir, on your election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-third session. 13 08-51606 I should also like in particular to thank Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon for the excellent report he has prepared on the activities of the Organization in the past year (A/63/1), as well as for his concern in ensuring that the issues of Lebanon are at the centre of debate. In its close pursuit of the situation in Lebanon, the United Nations has established the foundations and principles necessary to face the crises and challenges that have undermined the stability and prosperity of our country. I would like to note in particular the role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and pay tribute to the sacrifices of its personnel.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)