Gemayel Meets Ban, Says Lebanon’s Sovereignty over Shebaa Farms Key Element

Gemayel Meets Ban, Says Lebanon’s Sovereignty over Shebaa Farms Key Element

Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel stressed on Saturday that the situation in the South is linked to Syria’s recognition of Lebanon's sovereignty over the Shebaa Farms.

“The recognition of Lebanon’s sovereignty over the Shebaa Farms by Syria is a key issue to resolve the dispute in the South as it is also linked to the arms of Hizbullah,” Gemayel reporters after meeting with United Nations Chief Ban Ki-moon at his residency in Pheonicia Hotel.

He noted that the meeting with the U.N. secretary-general tackled the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

“The visit of the U.N. secretary-general to Lebanon reflects the international officials’ interest in the Lebanese issues,” Gemayel said.

Ban arrived in Beirut on Friday for talks with Lebanese leaders on the controversial U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the bloodshed in Syria and Hizbullah’s arms.

For his part, Future bloc leader MP Fouad Saniora reiterated the importance of “Israel’s commitment to U.N. Security Council resolution 1701.”

He said that he discussed with Ban the STL and its role, noting that the “STL’s protocol is part of an international decision.”

Concerning developments in Syria, Saniora stressed on the importance of cooperating for a smooth transfer to a democratic regime in the country.