YouSaid · the spoken record

Mudallali

lines on the record

197

first

2018-01-25

most recent

2022-07-26

sittings or episodes

26

sources

un-security-council

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1. “The intensity, immensity and complexity of conflicts and tensions in the Middle East are growing at an unprecedented rate. The Palestinian question is currently at a critical juncture. In fact, the agreed principles for a political solution, based on international law and many international resolutions, are being systematically undermined. We must raise our voices from this very Chamber to underscore that multilateralism is the only way to resolve the problems facing the world, on top of which is the Palestinian question. Lebanon has always considered the two-State solution to be the only sustainable political solution to this conflict, based on all resolutions of international legitimacy.”

   2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375 (2018) · source

2. “Ms. Mudallali (Lebanon) (spoke in Arabic): Let me begin by commending the Permanent Mission of Bolivia on its competent management of the work of the Security Council for the month of October. I wish it every success. I also congratulate the delegation of the United States on its outstanding efforts during its presidency of the Council last month. A few weeks ago, the leaders of our States met at the high-level segment of the seventy-third session of the General Assembly. The statements of many of them reflected the real concerns of the international community about the future of multilateralism and the urgent need to maintain, defend and promote. The clearest manifestation of that need is embodied today in the Palestinian question.”

   2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375 (2018) · source

3. “In conclusion, I wish to welcome the appointment by the Secretary-General of the new Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major General Stefano Del Col, to whom we express our full confidence. We wish him the best of luck in his new mission. We also pay tribute to the excellent work carried out by the outgoing UNIFIL Commander, Major General Michael Beary.”

   2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

4. “Daily Israeli violations, especially airspace violations, continue unabated; the most recent report of the Secretary-General on the issue noted 456 air violations during the reporting period. We call on the Security Council to use its authority to insist that Israel respect and implement resolution 1701 (2006) by withdrawing from the occupied Lebanese territory and ending its continuing violations of our sovereignty. Progress also needs to be made in order to resolve the remaining border disputes, including the maritime one. In this regard, allow me to recall once again my Government's initiative to seek the Secretary-General's good offices to that end. We continue to view the tripartite mechanism as a useful tool for reducing tensions, resolving disputes and achieving the goal of a permanent ceasefire in the south.”

   2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

5. “However, that must not wait until a political solution materializes in Syria. A few weeks from now, the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will be up for renewal. We count on Council members to acknowledge the efforts ofUNIFIL by ensuring a smooth renewal of its mandate. My country firmly believes that UNIFIL remains instrumental to preserving peace and security in southern Lebanon and thereby contributing to our stability. The latest report of the Secretary- General on the subject (S/2018/703) testifies to that role. It is instrumental despite - and because of- Israel's continuing daily violations of Lebanon's sovereignty.”

   2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

6. “In Lebanon, a country that embraces diversity, we are in the process of forming a new Government after completing successful parliamentary elections in May. They were held according to a new electoral law, with participation by the diaspora for the first time, and several international observers commended the Lebanese authorities for the transparency with which they were conducted. A new Lebanese Government is in the making. Naturally, among its key priorities will be to start implementing the recommendations of the Conference e'conomique pour le de'veloppement, par les reformes et avec les entreprises, held in Paris, and enacting the relevant structural reforms in order to help boost our economy. Another ongoing challenge will be addressing the issue of displaced Syrians in Lebanon so as to arrange for their safe return.”

   2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

7. “Gaza continues to suffocate under unimaginably difficult humanitarian conditions. The situation for its residents is beyond desperation, and the cuts in the funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) will not help ease their plight. For more than seven decades, UNRWA's vital work in Jordan, Syria and my own country as well as in Gaza has helped millions of Palestinian refugees, keeping them from burying their last ounces of hope six feet under. It acts as a stabilizer in our region. The UNRWA pledging conference last month in New York and the Extraordinary Ministerial Conference held in Rome on 15 March were successful in demonstrating support for the Agency. We must now build on that momentum in order to meet the deficit of an agency that no one can afford to let die.”

   2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

8. “The new law is seen as foreclosing the future of the peace process and of the concepts of a two-State solution and land for peace, and rendering them dead on at least three of the final status issues - Jerusalem, the settlements and self-determination. The law therefore contravenes the dozens of United Nations resolutions that address the question of Palestine and form the basis for any lasting and just solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. If international law and international legality are tossed aside, what is the future of peace in the Middle East? My fear is that we will be eternally condemned to the same cycle of violence and to perpetual wars. Look at Gaza. After so many wars and military operations by the Israelis, and after thousands of casualties, we may be facing another new conflict today.”

   2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

9. “I would first like to congratulate Sweden on a very active and productive presidency of the Council this month. I would also like to thank Mr. Mladenov for his briefing. One of the world's brightest minds once said that peace can be achieved only by understanding. Regrettably, Israel's enactment last week of a new basic law struck the ultimate blow, driving us further away from understanding by enshrining in law a policy of discrimination by the Israeli authorities against Arabs, especially Palestinians. The law drew widespread condemnation in the Arab and Muslim worlds, from the Palestinians to the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as well as Israelis and Israeli-Arab lawmakers.”

   2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

10. “If the political will of the Council is coupled with collective leadership and armed with a new Vision, then there is hope for the Middle East. The Security Council represents the will of the international community, and the whole array of tools at the United Nations disposal should be used. It can implement its resolutions to end occupation and oppression and fulfil the role with which it was entrusted upon its founding. The United Nations can use its international authority to usher in a new season to the Middle East - one of peace, reconciliation, healing, progress and development. The region has tremendous potential, if given the chance, not as a battlefield, but as a source of ideas, creativity and a place where peace can be born to circle the world.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

11. “Lebanon has also been at the forefront of combatting terrorism, and it is one of the few countries in the region that defeated Da'esh through the determined will of its armed forces and the help of its friends. But Lebanon also knows that defeating terrorism cannot happen only on the battlefield. It has to be done through providing young people with an education, job opportunities and hope. It is high time that the major Powers see our region with different eyes from those of the past 100 years. The Middle East should not be seen mainly as an arena for competition over spheres of influence. It is time to view the people of the region as people with hopes and aspirations for a better and alternative future. To do so, the Council can take lessons from the past and address the problems of today differently.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

12. “I repeat what we have said here before and in the numerous letters that we have sent to the Secretary-General and the Council: those Israeli violations are not conducive to peace. On the contrary they are inviting conflict. Time and again, Lebanon has reaffirmed its commitment to resolution 1701 (2006) and the need for a permanent ceasefire, as well as its commitment to prevention and mediation to avoid any miscalculation or escalation that could lead to conflict. That is why Lebanon has called on the Secretary-General and the United Nations good offices and reiterates its firm belief that the tripartite mechanism is the appropriate forum in which to discuss and solve any issue and de-escalate any tension along the Blue Line in the south.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

13. “Lebanon is committed to the Arab Peace Initiative and to East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine because it knows that, only through a comprehensive and just settlement, can the region know real peace. With regard to other issues in the region, Lebanon is committed to preserving its stability, and there is consensus in the country on the importance of distancing Lebanon from Arab States' conflicts. The Lebanese Government upholds that dissociation as a cardinal tenet of its policy. The situation in southern Lebanon remains governed by relative stability and quiet thanks to the presence and vigilance of the Lebanese Armed Forces, but the quiet and Lebanese sovereignty are violated by Israel on a daily basis by land, air and sea.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

14. “The Palestinian issue and the Arab-Israeli conflict remain for the Arabs the most important and protracted problem that has defied any solution. Following years of negotiations, dozens of United Nations resolutions, agreements and initiatives, and countless concessions on the Palestinian side, there is no horizon for peace today. Confidence among the parties is at its lowest point ever, and the very cornerstone of a political solution - ending the occupation, international legitimacy and an independent state of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital - is being eroded or completely abandoned. The Palestinians seem to have lost hope, but they continue to insist on their legitimate political and historic rights in Palestine, while stressing that those rights are the prerequisite for any peace in the region.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

15. “Today, 100 years later, we are looking at history in the mirror and finding out that the wounds of the past 100 years have never healed. They just were added to the new wounds of a people who seem to be destined to live that history and cope with the seeds of conflicts that were planted a century ago. Look at the Security Council's schedule for every month of the year. The Middle East, its people and their hopes and pains are in members' note books every month. Look at the news coming from the Middle East, which includes the occupation in Palestine and the fact that millions of Syrians, Yemenis, Iraqis and Libyans have become refugees or displaced in their own countries or scattered around the world.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

16. “Let me begin by congratulating you, Sir, on a productive presidency this month and on the holding of this timely debate. In your concept note (S/2018/524, annex), Mr. President, you correctly invited us to consider the historical context of conflicts. I fully agree with you, as well as with Antonio's utterance in Shakespeare's The Tempest that what is past is prologue. I will explain. One hundred years ago around this time in 1918, the Arabs put all their hopes in the Allied Forces, which were occupying one Arab city after another, from Jerusalem to Damascus, Aleppo to Beirut, while dismembering and carving up the Ottoman empire. The Arabs' hopes were for independence, freedom and unity. As we now know, promises were not kept, hopes were dashed, the Arabs felt betrayed, and their land was divided and distributed like an abandoned cake.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

17. “Lebanon has also reaffirmed its commitment to the rules and principles of international law through its voluntary commitment to the French-Mexican initiative and the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group's code of conduct, which are both aimed at preventing and halting the commission of mass atrocity crimes. In conclusion, it remains imperative that we achieve universal, fair and just acceptance of the existing rules and principles of international law, especially the Charter, as well as their full implementation, rather than entering into new treaties. Conversely, in the light of the emerging concepts that are debated at the United Nations, it is fundamental to define them or clarify their legal basis, so as to prevent or limit their politicization. International law is a precious asset that we must fully protect.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

18. “Justice is a strong guarantee for the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the Security Council must use the authority vested in it by Article 94 of the Charter to give effect to decisions by the Court. Lebanon believes that Member States should make full use of the tools set out in Chapter VI to settle their disputes peacefully. I would like to remind the Council of my country's 2016 initiative, based on the Charter of the United Nations and paragraph 10 of resolution 1701 (2006), to seek the good offices ofthe Secretary-General in the delineation of the disputed maritime border and the exclusive economic zone between Lebanon and Israel. It goes without saying that, absent a resolution, this issue remains a source of conflict that could threaten the peace and security of our region.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

19. “First, Security Council resolutions must be fully implemented and bind all Member States. It is the responsibility of this organ, which is entrusted with the maintenance of peace and security, to ensure full respect for its resolutions in order for international law to prevail. Let us not forget that Article 24, paragraph 2, of the Charter requires the Security Council to abide by the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Only through faithful respect for those provisions will we avoid double standards and selective application of international law. Secondly, there must be full compliance with the judgments and advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice, the primary judicial organ of the United Nations and a court of universal character.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

20. “I would like to congratulate Poland on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council, and to thank the presidency for holding this much-needed debate at a time when we are witnessing an erosion of multilateralism and blatant violations of basic rules and principles of international law, the latest example of which is the brutal killing of civilians in Gaza. For my country, Lebanon, international law represents the essence of the progress of civilization towards a multilateral rules-based system. The Charter ofthe United Nations in particular acts as a safeguard of our sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, which is why it is important to fully and strictly adhere to it. The key words here are "full implementation" and "compliance".”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

21. “Ifthere is anything they agreed on it was the importance of addressing the root causes of conflicts. There is no place that needs that more than my region. Ending the occupation in Palestine and withdrawing from the occupied Lebanese and Arab territories can go a long way towards bringing peace and stability to the Middle East. There is a need for peacemakers and honest brokers to start a peace process, and have the commitment and will to see it through. Only then can we have an open debate on the Middle East that does not dwell on conflict, bloodshed and despair, and delivers a hopeful message.”

    2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source

22. “Israel is still insisting on building a wall on occupied Lebanese territory and in disputed areas. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, through the tripartite mechanism, is trying to reduce tensions and resolve disputes on the ground. But that is not an alternative to the full implementation of United Nations resolutions that call for the full Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territory and respect for its territorial and maritime borders. Lebanon is committed to the complete implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) in its entirety, and expects the Council to shoulder its responsibility to bring Israel to do the same, and stop its threats to Lebanon. The last two days witnessed hundreds of world leaders and representatives in this building talking about peacebuilding and sustaining peace.”

    2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source

23. “Lastly, the Brussels conference, held this week, promised to bring invaluable help to Lebanon to withstand the burden of the displaced Syrians in the country, although the pledges fell below 15 per cent of the appeal. Lebanon is very thankful for the generous support of its friends in the international community that understand the central role that Lebanon plays in the stability of the region. Domestically, the Lebanese will go to the polls on 6 May to vote for a new Parliament. Those elections are very important because they strengthen the well-established democratic traditions in Lebanon and send a message about the importance of the ballot box in politics. But Lebanon is still facing serious challenges and threats to its security and stability, especially from the daily Israeli violations of its sovereignty by air, land and sea.”

    2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source

24. “It was only this week that the President of the Council of Ministers of Lebanon, His Excellency Mr. Saad Hariri, urged the international community to be more determined to find a solution in Syria and considered any delay harmful to the displaced Syrians, as well as to Lebanon. In the midst of that regional turmoil, Lebanon remains steadfast in its efforts to preserve its stability through a series ofsteps. The Government was successful in holding three important conferences in partnership with Lebanon's friends. The Rome conference, hosted with the Italian Government's support in March, helped generate assistance for the Lebanese Armed Forces and security services. The conference in Paris under the auspices of the French presidency earlier this month brought about much-needed support for the Lebanese economy.”

    2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source

25. “They called for resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict on the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002, ending the occupation and returning to the 1967 borders. The message remains that there is no alternative to the two-State solution based on all the relevant United Nations resolutions. How many innocent people should be killed, how many summits should be held and how many calls and condemnations should be enough for the Council to act and resume its role as the primary organ responsible for peace and security in the world? There is consensus in Lebanon about a policy of disassociation towards the conflict in Syria. Nevertheless, because of the presence of over 1.2 million displaced persons in my country, Lebanon joins the international community in its call for a political solution to the Syrian conflict.”

    2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source

26. “Jerusalem took centre stage in the summit, and the Arab leaders unanimously condemned and rejected the decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, as they rejected moving the United States Embassy to Jerusalem. In the meantime, the peaceful demonstrations by civilian Palestinians in Gaza were met by Israeli bullets, and led to the death of dozens of Palestinians and injured thousands. Lebanon added its voice to the voice of the Arab leaders and the rest of the world in condemning the killing of innocent civilians and called for an international investigation commission to prosecute those responsible for those crimes. Despite the situation, the Arab world is still committed to solving the conflict peacefully. The Arab leaders, at their summit, including Lebanon, reaffirmed their commitment to peace as a strategic option.”

    2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source

27. “I would like to congratulate Peru on a successful presidency of the Security Council this month. I would also like to thank Mr. Mladenov for his important briefing. We meet at a perilous time in the Middle East. The Secretary-General, Mr. Guterres, described the situation as chaos and a threat to peace and security. The gaps are huge, and the shattered hopes should intensify our determination to sustain peace. The Palestinian question and support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights remain a central tenet of the Arab consensus. That was reaffirmed at the summit held in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, in mid-April when Arab leaders, once again, emphasized their support for the right of the State of Palestine to its sovereignty over all the occupied Palestinian territories since 1967, including East Jerusalem.”

    2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source

28. “Open- ended peacekeeping operations do not end conflicts; implementing United Nations resolutions does. TheSecurityCouncilhastoshoulderitsresponsibility and end the gridlock that has characterized its work for the past few years. Peacebuilding, prevention and coalescing around the will of a Security Council that works for permanent solutions and not security band aids is what will make durable peace a reality around the world, especially in the Middle East.”

    2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source

29. “In that regard, Lebanon and the United Nations, through the Tripartite Committee, have been able to diffuse tension, solve problems, de-escalate and avoid conflict in southern Lebanon on an almost daily basis. Twelve years after the adoption of resolution 1701 (2006), we have seen no sign of progress on reaching a permanent ceasefire, solving the underlying political problems in the region, such as Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territory, or halting its daily violations of Lebanese sovereignty by land, air and sea. We in Lebanon are encouraged by the Secretary- General's peace and security architecture reform and support his endeavours, but what is needed is action from the Security Council that solves the political problems and tackles the root causes of issues.”

    2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source

30. “Thirdly, Lebanese officials express their support for UNIFIL through the Lebanese Government's repeated public statements of support regarding resolution 1701 (2006) and its full implementation, with visits of high- level officials to UNIFIL's headquarters and area of operations. Fourthly, communication and good relations with the local population are equally important for the success of a peacekeeping operation, and Lebanon encourages such relationships. UNIFIL helps the local civilian population through many projects, such as quick impact projects, which address the most pressing needs of the population Fifthly, one of the most strategically vital roles of a peacekeeping force is prevention.”

    2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source

31. “I will now detail five of those requirements that the Lebanese Government has been fulfilling: First, since the adoption of resolution 2373 (2017), the Lebanese Government has been working on establishing a model regiment to deploy in the south to further enhance the Lebanese Government's security presence in the area. The Rome conference was a concrete example of the Lebanese Government's commitment to strengthening its national military and security forces. That enables the Government to exert control over and assume responsibility for security in the country and ease the burden of peacekeepers. Secondly, the Lebanese Government has shown strong will, resolve and unparalleled commitment to ensuring that UNIFIL succeeds in its mission.”

    2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source

32. “The partnership between the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and UNIFIL has been consolidated and cemented since 2006, when the Lebanese army's fifth brigade deployed in the south to extend the Government's authority and ensure security and stability in the region. LAF and UNIFIL soldiers do routine patrols and work in close coordination on all issues related to security and stability in the area of operations. While the situation on the border is fragile, that partnership has helped to establish a new strategic environment in the south and, although it is not perfect, there is calm on the Blue Line. UNIFIL conducts land and maritime joint exercises with the LAF and contributes to mine clearing and mine awareness and education for local populations. There are vital requirements for a host country to support and strengthen peacekeeping forces.”

    2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source

33. “Moreover, the Lebanese Government committed 15,000 troops in 2006 to be deployed in southern Lebanon for the first time in 30 years. In your concept note (S/2018/184, annex), Mr. President, you ask what host nations can do to help peacekeepers. I will answer that question by talking about the strategic relationship between Lebanon and UNIFIL. However, first allow me, on behalf ofLebanon, to say that we are very grateful to UNIFIL and every single country, many of which are represented around this table and in this Chamber, for their participation in the peacekeeping Mission. UNIFIL has lost 312 soldiers since 1978, and Lebanon will always be indebted and humbled by the sacrifice of the families of those soldiers and their countries.”

    2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source

34. “We congratulate you, Mr. President, on a successful presidency and on choosing this very timely and important subject as the theme of this open debate, at a time when peace and its keepers are facing difficult challenges. Lebanon and the United Nations have been strategic partners regarding the question of peacekeeping for almost half a century, through the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). That interim period has lasted 40 years. The mandate of UNIFIL, as members of the Council are aware, is based on resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) and resolution 1701 (2006). Today, UNIFIL has 10,500 troops from 41 countries, making it one of the largest United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world.”

    2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source

35. “There is also a need for non-Council members to participate in the closed sessions of the Council when they are concerned. The Council should also devote more meetings and field visits for the prevention of conflict. The relationship between the Council and the General Assembly should not be considered only in the context of encroachment, but rather in the framework of shared responsibility in the widest interpretation of threats to international peace and security. The prompt adoption of the Security Council's rules and procedures and the strengthening of coordination with other organs, mainly the General Assembly, remain key elements of a more effective Security Council - one that can meet the enormous challenges of the day.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

36. “The noticeable improvement in the quantitative access to information should be coupled with a qualitative and participatory approach. This will be a solid path to ensure that the Security Council is more accessible, transparent and accountable, hence more democratic. Lebanon is fully confident that the Kuwaiti chairmanship of the Working Group will prove decisive and fruitful in that regard. Lebanon believes that the annual report of the Council to the General Assembly should be more analytical, ask difficult questions, draw on lessons learned and call for common action. We look forward to seeing, in the coming report, the reasons behind the crippling effect of vetoes exercised last year on matters affecting peace and security and leading to further protracted conflict with massive human cost.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

37. “Lebanon is a firm believer in the need to enhance and strengthen the working methods of the Security Council, rendering it more transparent and efficient. To that end, my country has constantly supported the work of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, and considers it a step in the right direction. As underlined in the President's concept note (S/2018/66, annex) on the improvements in the Council's working methods over the last 25 years, there is a need to do more. Better communication and greater involvement of Member States, especially concerned countries, in the decision-making process on issues related to international peace and security remain the cornerstone of the priorities of these non-members of the Security Council.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

38. “While the principles endure, the methods and architecture are due for a twenty-first century update. The security, economic, political and technological environment is completely different from that of the time of the founding of the Organization in the 19405. The challenges facing the international community urgently point to the need to improve and reform the global governance mechanisms. Lebanon has constantly supported all endeavours aimed at reforming the United Nations and its main organs, whether the General Assembly, the Security Council or the Economic and Social Council. But most importantly, Lebanon supports the efforts of the Secretary-General, Mr. Guterres, and will continue to engage constructively in his initiative to reform the Secretariat.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

39. “I would like to begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council and express our full confidence in your leadership to make it a successful month. I would also like to commend the delegation of Kazakhstan for a fruitful presidency in January. I would also like to thank Mr. Martin for his briefing. When the 51 States that established the United Nations met in San Francisco in 1945 - and my country, Lebanon, was one of them - they determined on behalf of the international community to "unite their strength to maintain international peace and security, and to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest". That was 73 years ago.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

40. “With the invaluable assistance of the Council, our region can transcend the dark reality of conflict and finally realize the long- awaited peace.”

    2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source

41. “They are also fully engaged with the international community to consolidate Lebanon's stability through three conferences: the Rome II conference, to reinforce the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces, the cornerstone of Lebanon's stability and the spearhead in the fight against terrorism; the Conference du Cedre, to be held in Paris under France's leadership, in order to uphold and revitalize the Lebanese economy; and, lastly, the Brussels conference to help Lebanon cope with the refugee crisis. Those efforts are essential to protecting and preserving Lebanon as a model of coexistence in the region and preserving its stability. We are not bound to a vicious circle of wars and violence in the Middle East.”

    2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source

42. “We appreciate the work of his Special Coordinator to resolve the issue of delineating the maritime border between Lebanon and Israel and their exclusive economic zones, in accordance with the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. The non-resolution of those issues will remain a source of conflict and will threaten peace and security. Despite the economic, social and security challenges facing the country, the heavy burden of hosting over 1 million Syrian refugees and the conflict in Syria, Lebanese leaders are committed to holding parliamentary elections in May 2018.”

    2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source

43. “We urge the United Nations and the Council to prevent further Israeli provocations. The last thing the Middle East needs now is miscalculation that might lead to conflict. My Government has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006) in its entirety and remains resolved to work with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and through the Tripartite Mechanism to expedite the delineation of the Blue Line, especially in sensitive areas. The Lebanese Government requested the good offices of the Secretary-General in 2016 and has encouraged those efforts ever since.”

    2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source

44. “In Lebanon, especially in the south, people are subjected daily to Israeli violations of our airspace and our maritime and territorial integrity, in violation of resolution 1701 (2006). Last week, we received Israel's unilateral stated intention to build a wall, not only along the Blue Line but in sensitive occupied areas. That will once again threaten to destabilize the situation in the south and could lead to conflict. Those provocative actions systematically reflect Israel's total disregard of its obligations under resolution 1701 (2006). If Israel is interested in maintaining stability and security, there is an easy way - withdraw from the occupied Lebanese territory, put an end to persistent violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and remove the source of tension.”

    2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source

45. “Lebanon hosts hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees, and leaving them without education means leaving them without a future. Lebanon, which paid the heaviest price for the lack of peace during multiple Israeli invasions, understands the gravity of the situation when all the roads to peace are blocked. Lebanon has always supported a peace based on the relevant United Nations resolutions, the principle of land for peace, the two-State solution and the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 in Beirut. A failure by the international community and this organ - which represents the will of this community - to reaffirm the core principles of peace could plunge our region into more conflict, with dire global implications.”

    2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source

46. “The gaps between the parties are vast and growing, and the Arabs and Palestinians feel that the core principles of peace are being abandoned. Jerusalem remains the most sensitive of the long- established final status issues. Yet Israel's claim of exclusive control of Jerusalem and the United States recognition of Jerusalem as its capital have Virtually foreclosed the peace process for the Arabs. That buries the hope for any just, comprehensive and lasting peace. It is making our people despair, and desperate people do desperate things. I would like to add my voice to that of the representatives who spoke about the importance of funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.”

    2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source

47. “It is a great honour for me to address the Security Council for the first time as the Permanent Representative of Lebanon. Please allow me to begin, Mr. President, by commending the excellent work of your presidency this month. Kazakhstan's efforts to promote dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts has been exemplary. I would also like to congratulate the new non-permanent members of the Security Council and wish them the best of luck in their endeavour. Our deep appreciation also goes to the Permanent Mission of Japan for its presidency of the Council last month. Finally, I would also like to thank the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process for his briefing. Peace in the Middle East seems more remote than ever.”

    2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source