The U.N. Security Council voiced "grave concern" Friday at reports of arms smuggling to Lebanon, but dropped a direct call to Syria and Iran to enforce a U.N. arms embargo. Instead, the presidential statement agreed by all 15 members and read at an open council meeting underscored the obligation of all countries, "in particular in the region," to ensure that the arms embargo is not violated.
According to the AP, the council also expressed concern at claims that Lebanese and other groups and militias are rearming, and voiced "deep concern" about recent statements by Hezbollah "that it retains the military capacity to strike all parts of Israel."
The council deleted a reference to Hizbullah's secretary-general and a phrase calling the Shiite movement statement "a blatant violation of Security Council resolutions." The presidential statement was a response to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's report to the Security Council in June on implementation of the resolution that ended last summer's war between Israel and Hizbullah. Ban said "disturbing reports" from the Lebanese and Israeli governments of alleged arms embargo violations "constitute a major impediment to the establishment of a permanent cease-fire and a long-term solution" that would bring peace to Lebanon.
The presidential statement also expressed "deep concern at the increase in Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace and appeals to all parties concerned to respect the cessation of hostilities and the blue line in its entirety." It also voiced "deep concern" that Hizbullah has not returned the two Israeli soldiers it abducted, which sparked last summer's war, or provided proof of life."
Meanwhile, Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday his movement was prepared for a settlement of the political crisis in Lebanon, vowing that his fighters would not use their arms to resolve the issue. "We are ready for a settlement internally," said Nasrallah.
Nasrallah was speaking amid tensions in the country ahead of Sunday's by-elections to replace two MPs killed earlier this year in attacks blamed by the ruling majority on Syria.
Reiterating a call for a national unity government to help resolve Lebanon's months-long political deadlock, Nasrallah said "Lebanon can only overcome its crisis with cooperation and unity."
"Lebanon cannot be divided, both practically and objectively. And we do not seek to control the government, or control the state," he said in a speech broadcast on huge screens before thousands of seated supporters in the eastern city of Baalbek.
"We are looking for a united and unified country which will protect Lebanon at a time ... the US Administration is seeking to plant discords."
"The American policy in Lebanon is pushing a Lebanese party to monopolize powers...and what is the result? More crises," he said, according to AFP. Nasrallah said "our campaign is peaceful, civilian and civilized."
"Weapons destroy the country and burn everybody. We have the power but using force inside the country is not in Lebanon's interest. These arms are for the defense of Lebanon, and not to destroy Lebanon."
"The arms of the resistance are not militia weapons" to be used against other Lebanese factions, said the leader.
© 2007 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
