Ban Urges Lebanese Officials to Prevent Supporters from Using Arms

U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon lamented that the latest confrontation between March 8 and 14 forces was accompanied by “sectarian” and “inflammatory” remarks.

In his 15th report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701, Ban said Lebanon has been witnessing a political crisis over the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

This crisis paralyzed the national unity cabinet which collapsed on January 12, he said.

Ban urged Lebanese officials to guarantee stability in the country and respect constitutional institutions and U.N. resolutions, in reference to Security Council resolution 1757 on the international tribunal.

The U.N. Secretary-General also urged Lebanese leaders to take all measures to prevent their supporters from resorting to violence.

As in previous reports, Ban said Hizbullah’s armed presence represents a challenge to the state’s ability to impose its sovereignty on all its territories.

He called for disarming the Shiite group through a “Lebanese political process.”

Ban reiterated the need for Israel to withdraw “as soon as possible” from the Lebanese part of the border village of Ghajar. “This pullout will be an important step in the full implementation of resolution 1701.”

He also urged Israel to “immediately” end violations of Lebanese airspace.