UN Special Coordinator says it's time for negotiations with Israel
Marking nearly one year since the November Understanding came into effect, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, told the United Nations Security Council that “since that time, noteworthy progress has been achieved on some issues, while others remain at a standstill”.
Briefing the Security Council on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) alongside United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Special Coordinator emphasized that “time is of the essence”, noting that “Lebanon can no longer afford to be perceived as dragging its feet – on either its participation in dialogue or the establishment of a State monopoly on arms”. While commending the Lebanese Armed Forces for the progress seen in tackling non-State arms, particularly south of the Litani River, Hennis-Plasschaert stressed the outstanding and urgent need for a whole-of-government approach to the extension of State authority. “The army, alone, cannot bring resolution 1701 to life”, she said.
The Special Coordinator further underscored that progress on reforms in Lebanon is no less urgent, especially to unlock much-needed recovery and reconstruction funding. “Lebanon must seize this window of opportunity, rather than falling prey to the internal political brinksmanship that has hampered the country for far too long.”
With the changing regional context, Hennis-Plasschaert conveyed that “unique opportunities are in front of both countries”, adding that “as Lebanon must seize this window, so too must Israel”. Acknowledging that the presence of the Israeli army north of the Blue Line and frequent Israeli military activity across the country continues in violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, she again underlined that the status quo serves “neither Israel’s nor Lebanon’s strategic interests” and is a “harbinger of greater instability to come – if not now, then later”.
In closing, Hennis-Plasschaert underscored that, “In the interest of the stability and security both parties say they seek, the time for negotiations and dialogue is now."
Source: Naharnet
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