Ban Warns Syria’s Crisis May Destabilize Lebanon

U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon expressed concern over the repercussions of the Syrian crisis on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 but hailed the Lebanese government’s efforts to ward off the impact of the upheaval in the neighboring country.

In his latest report on the implementation of resolution 1701, Ban said the Syrian regime’s crackdown on protestors has continued to affect Lebanon, and raised concerns that the unrest could have negative ramifications for the country’s stability.

He described Lebanon’s security situation as generally stable and reiterated his call on Hizbullah to transform itself into a political party.

The party’s arms continue to pose a serious challenge to the state’s ability to exercise full sovereignty and authority over its territory, he said.

The U.N. chief added that the armed bases of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command and Fatah al-Intifada along the Lebanese-Syrian border are hurting Lebanon’s authority.

Ban also urged the Lebanese government to respect the rights of Syrian refugees and provide them with shelter. But said Syria should also respect Lebanon’s sovereignty.

The report also tackled the security incidents in the South, including an attack on a UNIFIL patrol in December and rockets fired into Israel.