Ban to Discuss STL Protocol during Beirut Visit on Jan. 11

United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon will discuss with senior Lebanese officials during his upcoming visit to Beirut the cooperation protocol of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon that is opposed by the majority of the cabinet members.

The protocol expires in March.

However, the Lebanese cabinet’s decision isn’t binding concerning the protocol and the U.N. chief has the final decision, according to U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs Patricia O'Brien.

An Nahar newspaper reported on Friday that Ban will arrive in Lebanon on January 11 on a two-day visit as part of his tour to the region.

Ban will express his relief over the payment of Lebanon’s share to the court probing the assassination of ex-PM Rafik Hariri in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1757.

The daily said that the U.N. chief will participate in a seminar about the “Arab Spring,” organized by ESCWA, where he will hail the popular revolutions taking place in the Arab world.

Ban will also hold meetings with President Michel Suleiman, Prime Minister Najib Miqati and Speaker Nabih Berri.

The newspaper noted that the discussions will focus on the “importance of fortifying Lebanon against any negative repercussions that might affect Lebanon due to the Syrian turmoil.”

Ban will tackle U.N. Security Council resolutions 1701 and 1559 as he is expected to tour the UNIFIL peacekeeping forces in south Lebanon and he will also discuss the possibility of handing the Lebanese Armed Forces wider security responsibilities, An Nahar added.