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Further progress in Lebanon requires
cooperation of Syria: Annan
26 April 2006 – The recent national
political dialogue in Lebanon has forged consensus on how to
consolidate the political integrity of the country, but further
progress requires the cooperation of Syria, United Nations
Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in his latest report on the subject,
which was presented to the Security Council today.
"With the agreements unanimously reached in the National Dialogue
and their initiative to work pro-actively and constructively with the
Syrian Arab Republic, a united Lebanon has offered an outstretched
hand to Syria," according to a summary of the report presented to the
Council by Terje Roed-Larsen, the Secretary-General's Special Envoy
for the implementation of resolution 1559, which calls for the
reduction of foreign influence in the Middle Eastern nation.
"I call on Syria to accept this offer," he said, requesting the
country, in particular, to work with Lebanonese Prime Minister Fouad
Siniora on establishing diplomatic relations and delineating the
border between the two countries as he has offered.
Mr. Annan said that although there has been progress in
implementing the resolution – including the withdrawal of Syrian
forces and the holding of legislative elections – many of its
requirements have not yet been met, such as the disbanding of all
Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias, the extension of the Government
authority over all its territory and strict respect for political
independence of the country.
In regard to the militias, he welcomed the agreement on the arms of
Palestinian militias outside of refugee camps and called "on all
parties who have the ability to influence Hizbollah and other militias
to support the full implementation of resolution 1559."
Asked by the press, after the Council meeting whether, those
parties included Iran, Mr. Roed-Larsen replied: "We're asking all
actors, including Iran and Syria, to be helpful in this regard."
On the issue of Lebanon's borders, he said that the matter is not
confined to any one geographical area, but settling it, as well as the
militia question, is crucial to cement the territorial integrity of
the country.
"Here I think it needs two to tango and it needs good will from two
parties," he remarked. "Prime Minister Signora has stretched out his
hand on the basis of the unanimous polity in Lebanon from left to
right, from north to south, from east to west, but it can only be
resolved through a partnership between Lebanon and Syria."
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Click on below to watch video:
| 26 April 06 |
Media Stakeout: Informal
comments to the Media by United Nations Special Co-ordinator for
the Middle East Peace Process and his Personal Representative to
the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian
Authority, Terje Roed-Larsen on the situation in the Middle East,
including Syria and Lebanon.
[Webcast:
Archived Video - 15 minutes] |
| 26 April 06 |
Media Stakeout: Informal
comments to the Media by the Permanent Representative of France,
Ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sabliere, on the situation in the
Middle East, including Syria and Lebanon.
[Webcast:
Archived Video - 4 minutes] |
