Hizbullah Slams Ban, Says Report 'Political Meddling in STL Affairs'

Hizbullah on Wednesday criticized U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon, saying his report on Resolution 1559 was meddling in the political affairs of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

Ban's report "written by staff member of the Zionist entity, Terje Roed-Larsen, is interference in Lebanese internal affairs and political interference in the affairs of the International Tribunal," said a statement issued by Hizbullah.

The report by the U.N. Secretary-General said Lebanon has been hit by a new climate of "uncertainty" that could cause new instability across the region.

Ban said Hizbullah's arsenal "remains distinct from and may exceed the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces, adding that Hizbullah's military strength "creates an atmosphere of intimidation and poses a key challenge to the safety of Lebanese civilians and to the government's monopoly on the legitimate use of force."

"It seems that Mr. Ban Ki-moon was in a deep sleep and he did not realize that Hizbullah, since a long, has been at the heart of the Lebanese political equation through its presence in Parliament and in Government

"For this reason, (Ban) apparently is unaware of the right of all peoples, including the Lebanese people, to resist occupation.

"It seems that he did not have time to examine the ministerial statement which gives the right to Lebanese Resistance," said the statement.

Hizbullah said Ban also had "forgotten" the position announced by President Michel Suleiman when he addressed the U.N. Security Council last month in which he affirmed Lebanon's and Lebanese right to use all available means to liberate Lebanese territory and the right of self-defense."