ISG Voices Satisfaction over 'Hariri's Return', Urges Respect for 1559, 1701
The International Support Group for Lebanon on Friday expressed “satisfaction for the return to Beirut of Prime Minister Saad Hariri” and reiterated “the need for full implementation and full respect of all U.N. Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006).”
The ISG meeting was held in Paris and chaired by the United Nations and France. It was attended by PM Hariri and representatives of China, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Russia, the UK, the U.S., the EU, the Arab League, the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, the U.N. Development Program, the Office of the U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and the World Bank.
“The participants reaffirm their commitment to the stability, security and sovereignty of Lebanon and their support for the ongoing efforts of the Lebanese authorities to restore normal functioning of institutions and prepare the holding of legislative elections by May 2018,” a joint statement said.
“The Group recalls the need to protect Lebanon from the crises that are destabilizing the Middle East and calls upon all regional States and organizations to work for the political, social, economic, and financial stability and security of Lebanon, in full respect of its sovereignty and integrity,” it added.
Expressing “satisfaction” over Hariri's return to Beirut after his shock resignation announcement in Riyadh, the ISG described the premier as “a key partner for safeguarding the unity and the stability of Lebanon.”
“It welcomes his decision, made in agreement with the President of the Lebanese Republic, Michel Aoun, to continue his term at the head of the Government. The Group notes the resumption of the Council of Ministers on 5 December 2017 and its decision on disassociation from any regional conflicts and wars and from internal affairs of Arab countries,” the Group added, referring to a “settlement” government statement according to which Hariri rescinded his resignation.
The ISG said it will pay “close attention to the implementation of the Council's decision by all Lebanese parties in the spirit of national concord and compromise,” calling upon all Lebanese parties to implement “this tangible policy of disassociation from and non-interference in external conflicts.”
The Group also reiterated the need for “full implementation and full respect of all U.N. Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006),” commending the role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in maintaining calm along the Blue Line and its cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) with the aim of “extending and consolidating the authority of the Lebanese State across the whole of the national territory.”
Turning to the thorny issue of Hizbullah's arms, the Group called on all Lebanese parties to “resume discussions towards a consensus on a National Defense Strategy,” welcoming President Aoun's “statement in this regard.”
And commending the “generous efforts made by the Lebanese people and the Lebanese authorities to host Syrian refugees,” the ISG recalled “the importance, when conditions allow, of a safe, dignified and non-coercive U.N.-facilitated return of refugees, in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles, including the principle of non-refoulement.”
It also called upon the international community to increase its support for Lebanese host communities and refugees in Lebanon.
Hariri's Nov. 4 resignation announcement had plunged Lebanon -- long a proxy battleground for bigger neighbors -- into its worst crisis in years.
Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of using armed proxies such as Hizbullah to advance its interests, from Lebanon to Yemen, Syria and Iraq.
In his resignation statement Hariri accused Tehran and Hizbullah -- which has ministers in the government -- of destabilizing Lebanon and region.
But he eventually returned home and agreed to stay on as premier after securing an agreement from Hizbullah that Lebanon should keep out of regional conflicts.
Hariri remained in Riyadh for two weeks after his resignation, fueling speculation that he was being held hostage.
A Lebanese source close to the premier has told the AFP news agency that Riyadh had threatened Lebanon with economic sanctions unless he stepped down.
Macron intervened, hosting Hariri to Paris for talks, after which he returned home to a hero's welcome.
Source: Naharnet
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://mobile.naharnet.com/stories/en/239339 |