Plumbly Calls for Long-Term Steps to Resolve Proliferation of Arms

U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly said Tuesday the use of arms in highly populated areas needs to be resolved through long term steps to prevent recurrence of violence.

Following talks with Mufti of Tripoli Sheikh Malek al-Shaar, Plumbly said: “The presence and use of arms in civilian and highly populated areas is of particular concern and needs to be resolved.”

“I expressed my concern over the incidents of violence that have taken place and at the unnecessary loss of life” in Tripoli, he said.

Plumbly told reporters he agreed with al-Shaar that measures taken by the Lebanese army and security forces to contain the tension and deadly clashes between the neighborhoods of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen must be encouraged and supported.

“But we also underscored the need for longer term political steps designed to prevent a recurrence of violence and to reinforce the rule of law,” he said.

“Those responsible for such violence need to know that they can be held accountable,” he added.

The U.N. diplomat also hailed al-Shaar’s role in trying to defuse tension in the northern city and welcomed the declaration made following a national dialogue session held at Baabda palace under President Michel Suleiman on Monday.

“All efforts to bring political players together are very important for Lebanon, and the only way to resolve differences,” he said about the meeting of 16 Lebanese leaders.