Ban Expresses Fear over Attempts to 'Destabilize' Lebanon

U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon considered that there are deliberate attempts to destabilize the situation in Lebanon, expressing his “deep concern” over the possibility of the Syrian crisis spilling over into the country.

Ban stressed that the international community is determined to preserve stability in Lebanon, saying there should be no impunity in the October 19 assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau Chief Wissam al-Hasan.

He called on ending violence against politicians in Lebanon.

Ban hailed in his 18th report on the implementation of U.N. Security Council resolution1701 the calm prevailing in the area of operations under the supervision of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

He noted that the strategic partnership between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces created the current calm security situation in the area.

Ban urged all “parties” to maintain their achievements along the U.N.-drawn Blue Line and prevent the regional tension from endangering it.

He reiterated the Security Council's calls on the Lebanese to preserve the national unity through the resumption of the national dialogue.

Ban pointed out that all parties should cooperate to carry out fair and free parliamentary elections in 2013.

However, the U.N. chief expressed fears over Hizbullah's Iranian-made drone that penetrated Israel.

He stressed on the importance of avoiding any provocations and exercising maximum restraint.

On October 6, the Israeli air force jets shot down the unarmed drone over southern Israel's Negev desert after it entered the country's airspace from the Mediterranean Sea. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pointed at Hizbullah and vowed to defend his country against further "threats." Hizbullah's Chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah acknowledged that the Iranian-made drone was launched by his party.

Ban stated that Israel should withdraw its troops from the northern Ghajar, a disputed village on the flashpoint border with Lebanon, and halt its violations of Lebanese airspace.

Over Syrian violations since the revolt against President Bashar Assad began in mid-March 2011, Ban demanded the regime to halt all border violations and respect Lebanese sovereignty in accordance with resolutions 1559, 1680 and 1701.