YouSaid · the spoken record

Roed-Larsen

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386

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2002-09-20

most recent

2009-05-07

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15

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un-security-council

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1. “He will continue his efforts for the purpose of achieving full implementation of these and all other relevant Security Council resolutions concerning the restoration of the territorial integrity, full sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon.”

   2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

2. “It is indeed essential that the parties continue to adhere to the Doha Accord, including the commitment to refrain from the use of weapons to settle internal political disputes. The leaders of Lebanon must think first and foremost about 6 the future of their country and transcend sectarian and individual interests. On 7 June, the Lebanese people will have a unique opportunity to express their genuine commitment to democracy. It is a clear imperative that Lebanon preserve its comprehensive political framework of coexistence as set out in the Taif Agreement in an atmosphere free from intimidation. The Secretary-General calls on all parties and all actors to fully abide by resolutions 1559 (2004), 1680 (2006) and 1701 (2006).”

   2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

3. “The threats posed by the existence of militias outside the control of the State render valid the remaining provisions of resolution 1559 (2004) as they relate to the disarmament of all armed groups and the extension of the Government's control throughout the country. The disbanding and disarming of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias is a necessary element to the complete consolidation of Lebanon as a sovereign and democratic State. The upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for 7 June 2009 will constitute a new milestone in the momentous transition that Lebanon has undertaken since the adoption of resolution 1559 (2004). It is indeed heartening that the Lebanese leaders have committed themselves to free and fair elections void of violence and inflammatory rhetoric.”

   2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

4. “Lebanon and Syria have established diplomatic relations and engaged in high-level talks on matters of relevance to Lebanon's sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity, such as the delineation of an international boundary between the two countries, as strongly encouraged by the Security Council in its resolution 1680 (2006). However, we remain concerned by the occasional security incidents during the reporting period, some of which have led to casualties. These occurrences 5 highlight the proliferation of weapons and armed groups that continue to operate in Lebanon and whose existence is an ongoing violation of resolution 1559 (2004). These are direct threats to the stability of the country and the region as a whole.”

   2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

5. “The United Nations would like to pay tribute to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which play a crucial role in strengthening Lebanon's sovereignty and control over the whole country, thereby promoting stability in Lebanon and beyond. The multiple security responsibilities of the LAF, compounded by the fact that it lacks adequate military equipment, have an impact on its capacity to meet its obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions. I therefore call on donor countries to continue to come forward and assist the LAF to improve its logistical and operational capabilities. In sum, I recall that since the adoption of resolution 1559 (2004) in September 2004, several of its provisions have now been implemented. Presidential elections took place in May 2008. Syria withdrew its troops and military assets from Lebanon in April 2005.”

   2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

6. “However, while recognizing the merits of the process, the overall gains of the National Dialogue remain limited at this stage. All Lebanese leaders must approach this process in a spirit of cooperation and exert every effort towards a positive and concrete outcome that formalizes the Government of Lebanon's monopoly over the use of force within Lebanon's boundaries and results in progress towards the disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias, consistent with Security Council resolutions and the Taif Agreement. That is also essential for the stability of the region. We remain mindful of the regional ramifications of this issue, and therefore call on all parties, inside and outside of Lebanon, to halt immediately all efforts to transfer and acquire weapons and build para-military capacities outside the authority of the State.”

   2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

7. “We are pleased that the National Dialogue, under the auspices of the President of the Republic, has continued to convene on a quasi-monthly basis to develop a national defence strategy, which should consider ways to enhance the authority of the State. The last session was held on 28 April. In previous sessions, the participants committed themselves, inter alia, to work to guarantee a political and security climate favourable to the peaceful conduct of the Parliamentary election, devoid of violence and with calm electoral rhetoric. It was also agreed that experts 09-32887 would continue to seek to develop a national defence strategy. The next session will convene on 1 June. The Dialogue touches upon fundamental issues that will affect Lebanon's future and character as a State well beyond the immediate horizon.”

   2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

8. “The Secretary-General reiterates his conviction that the disarming and disbanding of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias should take place through an inclusive political dialogue that addresses the political interests of all Lebanese. It should ultimately confirm the sole political and military authority of the Government of Lebanon. Hizbullah should therefore cease any militant activities outside of Lebanon and complete its transformation into a solely Lebanese political party, consistent with the requirements of the Taif Agreement. Regional parties, particularly those that maintain close ties with Hizbullah, must encourage it in the same direction.”

   2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

9. “In a televised speech on 29 April, the Secretary- General of Hizbullah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, rejected the accusations made by the Egyptian authorities that the organization was aiming to destabilize the country. The Government of Egypt informed the United Nations that the issue was now in the hands of the judiciary authorities of Egypt. The Secretary-General's report on resolution 1559 (2004) has expressed concern about the statements made by Hizbullah leaders and has condemned such unwarranted interference in the domestic affairs of a Member State. Equally alarming is the fact that Hizbullah has publicly admitted to providing support to Gaza-based militants from Egyptian territory. Those activities exceed Hizbullah's stated national agenda. The issue of Hizbullah's weapons continues to be central to the political debate in Lebanon.”

   2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

10. “Pursuant to that visit, the Foreign Minister of Egypt held a telephone conversation with the Secretary-General in which he indicated that the Government of Egypt would keep the United Nations abreast of the results of the ongoing investigation. In a recent correspondence, the Government of Egypt informed the Secretary-General that, a cell led by a Lebanese member of Hizbullah had been uncovered during 2008. Using a real passport with a false identity, the Hizbullah operative had visited 09-32887 Egypt over several years, where he recruited members for the network. The Government of Egypt has shared with the Secretary-General a number of details concerning the plans, resources and actions of the cell, as well as about the materials and devices confiscated.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

11. “According to the General Prosecutor, they have allegedly been part of a cell assigned by Hizbullah "to plan and carry out hostile operations on Egyptian soil". On 10 April, the Secretary-General of Hizbullah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, publicly acknowledged that Egyptian authorities had detained a Hizbullah operative for attempting to provide logistical and military assistance to Gaza-based militants. On 26 April 2009, I met in Cairo with the President of Egypt and his Foreign Minister. They shared with me preliminary elements of the investigation into the cell and requested that I convey them to the Secretary-General.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

12. “Therefore, cooperation between the Governments of Syria and Lebanon will be important in addressing this matter in the best interest of regional stability. Hizbullah continues to maintain a significant paramilitary capacity and infrastructure separate from the State, in violation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004). That arsenal is a direct challenge to the sovereignty of the Lebanese State and a threat to regional stability. Over the past few weeks, there has been a growing concern that Hizbullah has engaged in clandestine and illegal militant activities beyond Lebanese territory. Indeed, on 8 April, the General Prosecutor of Egypt announced that 49 people had been arrested based on information from State security investigations.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

13. “At the last session of the National Dialogue, held on 28 April, Lebanese political leaders reiterated the necessity to implement previous decisions by the National Dialogue. The time has come to implement that important decision. The Secretary-General has called upon the Lebanese authorities to take the necessary measures, consistent with the decisions of the National Dialogue, to dismantle the paramilitary infrastructures outside refugee camps. While he is keenly aware that that matter falls primarily under the responsibility of the Lebanese authorities, he recalls that that the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command and Fatah al-Intifadah are both headquartered in Damascus.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

14. “More needs to be done to contain violence, which could potentially spill over into surrounding areas. During the reporting period, the issue of Palestinian arms outside Lebanon's 12 official refugee camps has been discussed again within the National Dialogue. Those military installations are being illegally maintained by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command and Fatah al-Intifadah. There are four such military bases located along the Lebanese-Syrian border, which give those militias de facto control of parts of the land border. There is also a fifth such installation, south of Beirut. While Lebanon's 14 key political leaders achieved agreement in the 2006 National Dialogue that those Palestinian armed positions had to be dismantled within six months, no progress has been achieved.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

15. “In that context, it is noteworthy that the Government of Syria has denied any involvement in any illegal transfer of weapons across its border with Lebanon. As the Council is aware, the most significant remaining Lebanese militia is the armed component of Hizbullah. In addition, several Palestinian militias operate in the country, inside and outside refugee camps. We are concerned by security incidents in and around Palestinian camps. Some refugee camps provide safe haven for those who seek to escape the authority of the State. They constitute a reminder of the grave threat that armed groups pose to the stability and sovereignty of Lebanon, underscoring the urgency to disarm them. Security coordination and cooperation between the Lebanese security agencies and the Palestinian factions have improved, and should be further encouraged.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

16. “There are alarming reports of a large number of arms in Lebanon, held by groups across Lebanon's political spectrum. During the reporting period, Hizbullah's leadership has continued to assert that it has acquired more sophisticated military technology. The United Nations takes those reports seriously, but does not have the means to independently verify them. In addition, we remain concerned by the porous nature of Lebanon's border with the Syrian Arab Republic and the continuing potential for breaches of the arms embargo. While the most recent deployment of Syrian troops along the northern Lebanese border - in coordination with the Lebanese army - is a positive step, further operational coordination between Syria and Lebanon will be required to enhance border control.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

17. “The disbanding and disarming of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias is vital for the complete consolidation of Lebanon as a sovereign and democratic State. Over the reporting period, there has been no tangible progress towards the disbanding and disarming of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias, as called for by the Taif Accords and resolution 1559 (2004). The threat that armed groups and militias pose to the sovereignty and stability of the Lebanese State cannot be overstated, as the events in May 2008 demonstrated. It creates an atmosphere of intimidation in the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections. It also undermines the stability of the region and is incompatible with the objectives of resolution 1559 (2004), which aims at strengthening Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

18. “The investigation is ongoing. On 4 May 2009, Prime Minister Siniora publicly addressed the matter and described it as a serious violation of Lebanon's sovereignty. The Prime Minister also indicated that he had requested his Foreign Minister to provide full information about these alleged spy networks to the United Nations. At this stage, the Secretariat has not yet received any official communication from the Government of Lebanon concerning this matter. If these allegations prove to be true, they would constitute indeed a serious violation of Lebanon's sovereignty. Allow me now to move on to the provision of the resolution calling for the disarming and disbanding of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

19. “Over the past six months, Israel continued to occupy the northern part of Ghajar in violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and relevant Security Council resolutions. The Secretary-General has urged his Israeli interlocutors again over the past few weeks to find an early solution to this matter. Intrusions into Lebanese airspace by Israeli aircraft have continued in high numbers, in violation of Lebanese sovereignty and Security Council resolutions. The Government of Lebanon continued to protest these overflights, which the Government of Israel claim are carried out for security reasons. The United Nations has repeatedly deplored these violations and called on Israel to cease these overflights. Over the past few weeks, the Lebanese authorities have arrested a series of individuals on suspicion of spying for Israel.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

20. “He welcomes the renewed commitment by the Government of Syria, as conveyed in a letter from the Permanent Representative of Syria to the Secretary-General dated 4 May 2009 (S/2009/227), to preserve the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon, as called for in resolution 1559 (2004). The United Nations is hopeful that all these recent achievements herald a new era of renewed cooperation between the two countries, in mutual respect for their sovereignty and political independence. During the reporting period, diplomatic efforts in relation to the issue of the Shab'a Farms area have been continuing. A further report on this will be contained in the upcoming report of the Secretary- General on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006).”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

21. “The Secretary-General welcomes the renewed commitment of Syria and Lebanon to make progress on this matter and expects its early materialization. Tangible progress on the demarcation of the border is important and will benefit both countries. The Secretary-General is glad that relations between the two historically close neighbours have improved significantly and have entered a new phase, particularly with the establishment of diplomatic relations. The Secretary-General has applauded Presidents Al-Assad of Syria and Sleiman of Lebanon for the leadership they have been demonstrating.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

22. “09-32887 The Secretary-General has maintained his efforts to encourage Syria and Lebanon to achieve the full delineation of their common border. In Doha this past March, Presidents Al-Assad and Sleiman informed the Secretary-General separately that the joint border committee would convene rapidly to start its work on the delineation of the borders, pursuant to the agreement reached in Damascus between the two Presidents on 13 and 14 August 2008. On 23 December 2008, President Sleiman issued a presidential decree naming the Lebanese members of the Lebanese-Syrian border committee tasked with delineating their common border. The United Nations is looking forward to the appointment by Syria of its delegates to the committee.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

23. “On 20 December, the Lebanese Council of Ministers appointed Michel Khoury as Lebanon's first ambassador to Syria. On 22 December, Syria's embassy in Beirut became operational. On 16 March 2009, the embassy of Lebanon in Damascus was inaugurated. On 24 March 2009, President Sleiman approved the appointment of Ali Abdel Karim Ali as Syria's first ambassador to Lebanon. On 20 April, Michel Khoury arrived in Damascus to take up his post. This very morning, he presented his credentials to President Bashar Al-Assad. With these recent steps, Syria and Lebanon have nearly completed the process leading to the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries, in fulfilment of resolution 1680 (2006).”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

24. “Political divisions between the 14 March majority and 8 March opposition have not led to paralysis, although there have been occasional tensions. President Michel Sleiman has worked tirelessly to forge national unity. The general improvement of the situation in the country, combined with reconciliation efforts in the region, has created a favourable environment for strengthening Lebanon's sovereignty, political independence and government control throughout the country. In this context, I am glad to report today on further strides towards the full implementation of the requirements of resolution 1559 (2004). The momentum created by the summit meeting held in Damascus in August 2008 between Presidents Bashar Al-Assad and Michel Sleiman has continued to bear positive results.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

25. “Mr. Roed-Larsen: I have the honour today to present the ninth semi-annual report of the Secretary- General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004). One year ago, Lebanon was taken to the brink of civil war and back. The violence that erupted on 7 May 2008 was one of the greatest threats to the very foundations of the Lebanese State. A year has passed since the adoption, on 21 May 2008, of the agreement between Lebanese political leaders, brokered by the Emir of Qatar at Doha with the support of the League of Arab States. Ever since, Lebanon's domestic political and security situation has improved markedly. Fortunately, the commitments made at Doha have been either implemented or meaningfully acted upon.”

    2009-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6120 (2009) · source

26. “Security Council resolution 1559 (2004) remains an international support mechanism for the implementation by the Lebanese of the relevant provisions and understandings reached in the Taif Agreement, namely, that all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias disband, disarm and relinquish their military capacities. That understanding must be preserved and implemented to avoid the spectre of a renewed confrontation among the Lebanese. The Secretary-General is keenly aware of the interlinkages between the various conflicts in the region. It is indeed his profound belief that all possible efforts must be exerted to attain a just, comprehensive and lasting peace for all peoples in the Middle East, consistent with relevant Security Council resolutions.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

27. “The Secretary-General reiterates his conviction that the disarmament of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias should take place through a political process that will lead to the monopoly on the use of force by the Government of Lebanon throughout all of its territory. I believe that there exists in Lebanon today the possibility for the country's leaders to engage in a process that addresses those issues, which remain at the core of the Lebanese agenda. Achieving meaningful progress in that regard is not only urgent but also possible, should all sides continue to adhere by their commitments to refrain from violence to settle political 08-57736 differences and commit themselves to a Lebanese political process that safeguards the county's sovereignty, stability and constitution.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

28. “That phenomenon is another challenge that highlights the proliferation of weapons and armed groups that continue to operate in Lebanon 08-57736 in violation of resolution 1559 (2004). In that regard, I note the assertive action taken and arrests made by the Lebanese security forces of late. The Secretary-General would like to commend the efforts of the Ministerial Committee of the League of Arab States presided over by the Prime Minister of Qatar and the Secretary-General of the League. He wishes in particular to pay tribute to His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani for facilitating the Doha Agreement that helped Lebanon to avoid the spectre of a new civil war. Thanks to that accord, Lebanon was able to make major strides towards the affirmation of its sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

29. “There has been no progress towards the disarming of Palestinian militias in accordance with the agreement reached in the Lebanese national dialogue of 2006. We welcome, therefore, the intention expressed by Lebanese leaders at the first session of the dialogue this year. They confirmed the decisions reached in the previous dialogue and expressed their commitment to work towards implementing them. Of particular concern is the emerging pattern of lethal attacks against the Lebanese Armed Forces, one of the most prominent symbols of the authority of the State. We are disturbed by the strengthening of extremist elements and foreign fighters based largely in and around Tripoli.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

30. “It is important to reiterate today the Secretary-General's call on all Lebanese leaders to fully engage in a spirit of genuine cooperation and to commit themselves to achieving meaningful progress that consolidates Lebanon's stability and sovereignty. That process will also require the constructive engagement of States in the region, which also will benefit from a stable and sovereign Lebanon. Another serious threat to the stability and sovereignty of Lebanon is posed by non-Lebanese armed groups. The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by the emergence and apparent strengthening of extremist elements and foreign fighters based largely in and around Tripoli. That phenomenon is but another challenge to the consolidation of the Government's authority.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

31. “That and the ensuing national dialogue under the leadership of President Sleiman have provided Lebanon's leaders with a new opportunity to recommit themselves to strengthening the sovereignty of the State and the authority of the Lebanese Government throughout its territory. The Secretary-General has welcomed the first session of the dialogue, which began by addressing itself to the question of a national defence strategy for Lebanon. In that context, we also welcome several attempts by Lebanese leaders to normalize their relations in the interests of Lebanon's security and political stability. It is my profound hope that those efforts will help prevent further violence throughout the country and lay the foundations for an ongoing and sustainable dialogue.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

32. “The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by the possibility that the scars left by the clashes last spring may have prompted, if not accelerated, a process of rearmament in Lebanon. That activity and the continued presence of groups with military and paramilitary capacities threaten the holding of the free and fair parliamentary elections scheduled for next spring. We support the efforts of the Government of Lebanon to ensure a stable security environment in which those elections can be held. I am pleased to report to the Security Council that as an integral part of the Doha Agreement, the Lebanese leaders committed themselves to prohibit the use of weapons or violence in any internal conflict that may arise.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

33. “In May of this year, Hizbullah employed civil disobedience but also elements of its military assets to protect that very structure. Those assets and Hizbullah's resort to armed action in response to a political decision by the Government were a direct challenge to the fundamental authority of the Government and its attempts to consolidate its sovereignty. The Secretary-General calls on Hizbullah to comply with all relevant Security Council resolutions and urges all parties that maintain close ties with it, in particular Syria and Iran, to support its transformation into a political party proper, consistent with the requirements of the Taif Agreement and resolution 1559 (2004).”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

34. “The violence that erupted in Lebanon and spread widely across the country in May of this year served as a shocking illustration of how armed groups outside the control of the Government of Lebanon brought the country to a state of near collapse. The events engraved psychological scars on the civilian population. Regrettably, over the reporting period there has been no tangible progress towards the disbanding and disarming of militias as called for by the Taif Agreement and resolution 1559 (2004). The most significant Lebanese militia is the armed component of Hizbullah. That organization maintains a massive paramilitary infrastructure separate from the State, including a secure network of communication, which the group itself deems an integral part of its arsenal.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

35. “On 16 October the Secretary-General received a letter from Prime Minister Siniora of Lebanon, in which he expressed concern at the threats by Israel against Lebanon. The Secretary-General is indeed disturbed by the escalation of threats, through the media, between Israel and Hizbullah. He urges all 3 parties to cease that public discourse, which creates anxiety among civilian populations on both sides. Despite the progress achieved in some key aspects of the resolution, other elements pertaining directly to the sovereignty, stability and territorial integrity of the Lebanese State remain unimplemented.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

36. “It is also important that Lebanon and Syria take tangible steps towards implementing the other aspects of the agreements reached in Damascus in August. Over the reporting period, Israeli aircraft have continued to violate Lebanese airspace. The Government of Israel has continued to claim that those overflights are carried out for security reasons. We have regularly called on Israel to cease those overflights, which violate Lebanese sovereignty and Security Council resolutions. Israel continues to occupy the northern part of Ghajar, which constitutes a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and of resolution 1701 (2006). The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon is actively working with the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli Defense Forces to find an early solution to that matter.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

37. “We remain concerned by the general porosity of the Syrian-Lebanese border, which renders it easy to penetrate. The vulnerability of that border is reflected by both the permanent presence of paramilitary infrastructures belonging to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command and Fatah al-Intifada, which straddle the border, and the growing concern of a number of Member States regarding the flow of weapons and fighters. Syria has continued to deny any involvement in effecting breaches of the arms embargo. At the conclusion of the Syrian-Lebanese summit held in Damascus on 13 and 14 August, the two parties agreed to take joint action to improve border security and halt smuggling operations.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

38. “In that context, the Secretary-General pays tribute to the personal efforts deployed by President Sarkozy of France in convincing the parties to make significant headway on the matter. 08-57736 The Secretary-General has also maintained his efforts to encourage Syria and Lebanon to achieve the full delineation of their common border. There was no significant progress on that matter during the reporting period. Accordingly, we welcome the renewed intention of Syria and Lebanon to make progress on the issue based on priorities set by both sides as announced also at the conclusion of the Lebanese-Syrian summit held in Damascus on 13 and 14 August this year. We encourage the two countries to materialize that commitment, in particular in those areas where the border is uncertain or disputed, in the best interests of both States.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

39. “That agreement also announced the two countries' determination to reinforce and consolidate their relations on the basis of mutual respect for their sovereignty and independence. We are looking forward to close adherence to that understanding and the opening of embassies in Beirut and Damascus by the end of the year. The Secretary- General applauds the historic steps that have been taken so far by Presidents Sleiman and Al-Assad towards that goal. For the first time since their independence, the two neighbouring States are establishing diplomatic relations. Those developments seem to signal that a new page has been opened in the relations between the two countries.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

40. “On 30 September the Lebanese Parliament adopted a new electoral law based on the agreement reached in Doha in May. The new law paves the way for holding parliamentary election next spring. Lebanon and Syria have engaged in high-level talks on matters of relevance to Lebanon's sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity. On 14 August, the Lebanese and Syrian Presidents concluded two days of talks in Damascus with the release of a joint statement announcing the agreement of the two States to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. That led to the signing of a memorandum between the Foreign Ministers of Syria and Lebanon, in Damascus on 15 October, announcing the establishment of diplomatic relations, effective the same day.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

41. “The same conclusion applied to the withdrawal of Syrian troops, military assets and military intelligence apparatus from Lebanon. Today, I am glad to report major strides over the past six months towards the full implementation of the requirements of resolution 1559 (2004). The most significant progress made in the implementation of the resolution during the reporting period has been compliance with its requirement for a free and fair presidential election according to Lebanese constitutional rules, as called for repeatedly by the Security Council since 2004. I am indeed pleased to report that the election of the President has revived the constitutional political process in Lebanon. That relates in particular to the convening of Parliament, which, as the Council knows, was paralysed for almost two years.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

42. “I am delighted to report that the Lebanese leaders re-affirmed, in Doha, in May this year, their commitment to the Taif Accords. In the same spirit, in its resolution 1680 (2006), the Security Council strongly encouraged Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic to establish full diplomatic relations and to delineate their common border. That reflects and arises from the requirements of resolution 1559 (2004) and is, as such, merely a road map towards affirming Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. Since the adoption of resolution 1559 (2004) in September 2004, several of its provisions have now been implemented. The Secretary-General was able to certify that free and credible parliamentary elections 08-57736 had taken place in early 2005.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

43. “As such, resolution 1559 (2004) is a mechanism of the Security Council supporting the principles that the Lebanese committed themselves to in 1989. The understanding reached in the Taif Accords ended the civil war. It also stipulated that all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias should disband and disarm. It led, at the time, to Lebanese militias - with the exception of Hizbullah - giving up their armed capacities. I am pleased, in that context, to report that recent opinion polls conducted in Lebanon show massive support for the work of the United Nations in Lebanon. The results emphasize in particular that the vast majority of the population favours the implementation of all the provisions of resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006), including the disarming and disbanding of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

44. “Mr. Roed-Larsen: Four years ago, this Council passed resolution 1559 (2004). Today I will, on behalf of the Secretary-General, use the opportunity to recall the spirit and objectives of that resolution. The main objective of resolution 1559 (2004) is to reaffirm the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon throughout Lebanon. For that purpose, it calls for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from the country and the disarming and disbanding of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias. The requirements of the resolution are merely a reflection of - or literally quotations from - the very provisions of the Taif Accords of 1989, to which all the political parties in Lebanon committed.”

    2008-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6008 (2008) · source

45. “It is also our belief that the full implementation of resolution 1559 (2004), with the backing and active engagement of the Secretary-General, would set an important precedent, illustrating the commitment of the international community to the full implementation of all Security Council resolutions. In that context, allow me to reiterate the Secretary-General's belief that the implementation of resolution 1559 (2004) should continue to proceed in a way that would best ensure the stability and unity of Lebanon, of Syria and of the wider region. The Secretary-General remains at the disposal of the Council and stands ready to continue to assist the parties in the full implementation of resolution 1559 (2004).”

    2005-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5172 (2005) · source

46. “That would include the deployment of additional Lebanese armed forces, including along the Blue Line. We also expect the Government of Lebanon to extend its control over Lebanese territory vacated by Syrian forces. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate the Secretary- General's call urging all parties concerned to comply with all requirements of resolution 1559 (2004) without delay. We also urge all parties, in keeping with the resolution, to fully implement it and all other resolutions related to the restoration of the territorial integrity, full sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon. It is our strong belief that the full implementation of all requirements of the resolution would help enable the people of Lebanon and of the entire region to begin setting aside the enchaining and constraining vestiges of a captive past.”

    2005-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5172 (2005) · source

47. “Regarding the Council's call in resolution 1559 (2004) for all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias to be disbanded and disarmed, the United Nations has conducted a dialogue with some relevant parties on that matter. We have not yet reached operational conclusions on the matter, but expect that our dialogue on the issue will intensify in the coming months. With respect to the Council's support of the extension of the control of the Government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory, the Government of Lebanon does not yet fully exert control over all its territory. It is the Secretary-General's strong belief that more needs to be done to meet the Council's call for extended measures to ensure the return of effective governmental authority throughout the south of Lebanon.”

    2005-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5172 (2005) · source

48. “Those advisors will seek to assist the Government in its preparations for such free and credible elections. The Secretary-General has also encouraged the idea that international electoral observers be invited to monitor the elections. In close cooperation with, particularly, the European Union, we will continue our constructive dialogue with the Government of Lebanon on that matter. The parties have made significant and noticeable progress towards implementing some of the provisions contained in resolution 1559 (2004). However, we cannot yet certify that the requirements of resolution 1559 (2004) have been met. There has been a lack of progress on the implementation of other provisions of the resolution. We are also awaiting the report of our verification mission.”

    2005-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5172 (2005) · source

49. “Such a delay could have contributed to exacerbating the political divisions in Lebanon and have threatened the security, stability and prosperity of the country. It has therefore been the Secretary-General's strong conviction that the elections should be held on time and without delay. The elections should also be held in accordance with an electoral law that is broadly accepted by the Lebanese people. Further, in order to ensure that the parliamentary elections can be conducted in a free and credible manner, we have been discussing with the Government of Lebanon the possibility of extending United Nations technical assistance. United Nations electoral experts will arrive in Beirut early next week, with the full understanding of the Government of Lebanon.”

    2005-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5172 (2005) · source

50. “The Secretary- General has therefore also assigned a very high priority to the matter of Lebanese parliamentary elections. We commend the decision by Prime Minister Mikati's Government to hold the elections on time and as scheduled, beginning on 29 May 2005. We also welcome the unequivocal confirmation Mr. Mikati's new government has received in the Lebanese parliament, where it passed a vote of confidence with 109 to one votes, with three abstentions, on 27 April. We see the vote as a strong manifestation of the will of the Lebanese people and as an endorsement of Mr. Mikati's pledge to hold the elections on time. We have been very concerned over a possible delay of the elections.”

    2005-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5172 (2005) · source