UN Monitor

VICE-PRESIDENT OF UN-BACKED TRIBUNAL FOR LEBANON KILLINGS TAKES UP POST

2009-06-26T16:43:00.001-05:00

New York, Jun 26 2009 5:10PM
Judge Ralph Jacques Riachy has taken up his post as Vice-President of the United Nations-backed tribunal set up to try the perpetrators of recent political killings in Lebanon, including the February 2005 murder of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.

Judge Riachy, who was elected by his fellow judges at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, assumed his functions full time on 8 June, according to a news release issued in The Hague, where the Court is based.

He was one of the four Lebanese judges appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, upon the recommendation in December 2007 by the Selection Panel set up to interview Lebanese and international candidates for the positions of Tribunal judges.

The President of the Tribunal, which began its operations in early March, is Antonio Cassese of Italy.

The investigation of the murders of Mr. Hariri and 22 others in the 2005 bombing continues under the guidance of Prosecutor Bellemare, who also headed the probe while the case rested with the Beirut-based International Independent Investigation Commission (IIIC). A trial will take place when he has sufficient evidence in place.

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UN-BACKED LEBANON TRIBUNAL LAUNCHES WEBPAGE FOR THOSE OFFERING INFORMATION

2009-06-25T16:45:00.001-05:00

New York, Jun 25 2009 4:10PM
Individuals who have information regarding the February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and other recent political killings can now provide that to the Prosecutor at the United Nations-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon through a newly created, secure webpage.

The webpage was designed specifically for individuals "who have valuable information for the investigation but have no secure and confidential means to contact the Investigation Division of the Office of the Prosecutor," according to a news release issued by the court.

The Tribunal noted that the webpage is a tool used in many parts of the world to facilitate access to investigators by potential witnesses. This particular webpage is available in the court's three official languages – Arabic, English and French.

An independent body located in The Hague, the Tribunal is designed to try those accused of a series of recent political murders in Lebanon, particularly the February 2005 bombing that killed Mr. Hariri and 22 others in downtown Beirut.

It took over from the Beirut-based International Independent Investigation Commission (IIIC) in the beginning of March 2009.

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BAN CONFERS ON PEACEFUL POLLS WITH LEBANESE LEADERS

2009-06-09T20:22:00.001-05:00

New York, Jun 9 2009 4:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has been discussing this weekend's peaceful parliamentary elections with Lebanese political leaders, expressing his hope that a new Government will be set up speedily.

In separate telephone calls this morning, Mr. Ban spoke with President Michel Suleiman, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and Saad Hariri, leader of the 14 March coalition.

The Secretary-General "congratulated them on the elections and expressed the hope that the formation of the new government will proceed expeditiously and that it will take place in a calm and secure environment," UN spokesperson Marie Okabe told reporters in New York.

Mr. Ban also told the three men that he is counting on the new Government to fully implement Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hizbollah.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson yesterday, he congratulated Lebanon on the Sunday elections, urging all Lebanese people to cooperate "in the spirit of coexistence and democracy."

The Secretary-General also called on "all Lebanese to respect the results," voicing hope that "the process of government formation will commence expeditiously and that it will take place in a calm and secure environment."

Both yesterday's polls and the formation of a new Government "represent further important steps along the path of the revitalization of the State's political institutions," the statement added.

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ITALY TAKES HELM OF UN COASTAL FLEET IN LEBANON

2009-06-01T17:48:00.001-05:00

New York, Jun 1 2009 5:10PM
Italy has taken command of the United Nations maritime task force (MTF), which was deployed off the Lebanese coast in 2006 to curtail arms smuggling following that year's Israel-Hizbollah war.

The naval force, part of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon is the first to be part of a UN peacekeeping mission. The MTF has been deployed on the request of the Lebanese Government to help the country's navy secure territorial waters and help prevent the unauthorized entry of arms and other materials by sea into the Middle Eastern nation.

At a handover ceremony from Belgium to Italy aboard the flagship BNS Leopold I over the weekend, UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Claudio Graziano commended "the constructive relationship between the MTF and Lebanese Navy."

He applauded the "spirit of cooperation" between the two, which he said is crucial to successfully implementing Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war.

Since its operations began in October 2006, the MTF has hailed some 24,000 ships and referred nearly 300 suspicious vessels to the Lebanese authorities.

To date, 13 countries – Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Turkey – have contributed naval units to the force.

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Israel hands over cluster bomb maps to UN force in Lebanon

2009-05-23T14:21:00.001-05:00

13 May 2009 –The Israeli Defence Forces have handed over to the United Nations data and maps on the cluster munitions it fired over southern Lebanon during the 2006 conflict between the two countries. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) received the technical strike data and related maps yesterday, and is currently examining and assessing the information, Farhan Haq, a spokesperson for the world body, told reporters in New York.
"UNIFIL will be handing over the data to the Lebanese Armed Forces," he added.
According to the UN Mine Action Coordination Centre of South Lebanon, the area was blanketed by cluster munitions during the month-long conflict in the summer of 2006.
An estimated 40 square kilometres of land became contaminated with hundreds of thousands of unexploded cluster munitions, which have killed at least 20 people and maimed nearly 200 others so far.
Cluster munitions have been cleared from the surface of about half of South Lebanon's known contaminated land, and about 150,000 munitions have been found and destroyed.
Mr. Haq noted that the UN has in the past repeatedly called on Israel to provide the technical strike data on the number, type and location of munitions fired in the conflict to help speed up the clearance operations and prevent casualties among civilians and mine-clearance experts.

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Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative, During Security Council Consultations on Lebanon and Resolution 1559, May 7, 2009

2009-05-09T06:41:00.001-05:00

Thank you, Mr. President. Let me also thank the Secretary-General for his report and Mr. Larsen for his briefing this morning.

Our discussion today of Security Council Resolution 1559 occurs one year to the day since a strike engineered by Hizballah erupted into violence and resulted in Hizballah's takeover of West Beirut—a show of force that only underscores the need to fully implement Resolutions 1559, 1680 and 1701.

The events a year ago today speak eloquently to the ongoing dangers that armed militias pose to Lebanon's liberty and independence. Before, during and after the 2005 Cedar Revolution, we have all witnessed the Lebanese people's determination to live in a free, sovereign, and independent state.

Lebanon and Syria should be commended for taking significant steps towards establishing normal relations. When the Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon arrives in Beirut, the two countries' exchange of ambassadors will be complete—that is a noteworthy achievement.

Activating the joint border commission will be another step forward. We hope that Syria will soon name its delegates to this body so that both nations can begin meaningful efforts to delineate their porous common border, as called for in Resolution 1680.

Doing so is a crucial component of the broader effort to stem cross-border smuggling and end what the Secretary-General calls the "continuing potential for breaches of the arms embargo." Such breaches make it easier for Hizballah to rearm. They also make it easier to get dangerous weapons to such militias as the PFLP-GC—which, as the Secretary General's report notes, allegedly fired rockets at Israel from Lebanon during the recent Gaza conflict.

Given this progress in key areas, it may be tempting to think that Resolution 1559 is coming toward the end of its usefulness. This would be a grave mistake.

The Secretary-General's report does suggest a thaw in diplomatic tensions between Syria and Lebanon and some welcome improvement in Lebanon's political and security situation. But it also finds "no tangible progress towards the disbanding and disarming of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias, as called for by the Taif Agreement and Resolution 1559."

Indeed, Hizballah has now admitted supporting militants in Egypt and exhorting the Egyptian military to defy its political leaders. These actions are further reminders that Hizballah is a threat not only to Lebanon but to the region at large. And so we join the Secretary-General in condemning Hizballah's "unwarranted interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign state."

Mr. President, the United States strongly believes that the people of Lebanon must be able to choose their own representatives in open and fair elections—without the specter of violence, the intimidation of militias, and the pressure of outside influence. As the Secretary of State, Secretary Clinton, noted recently in Beirut, the Lebanese "have a right to [their] own future."

This Council has made it clear—in successive Resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701—that the only legitimate armed forces in Lebanon are those of the Lebanese government. The United States continues to support Lebanon's legitimate state institutions, including providing the Lebanese Armed Forces with the training and equipment they need to protect Lebanon and its citizens and implement the resolutions of this Council.

And so we join with the Secretary-General in calling upon Hizballah to disarm and to transform itself into a purely political party. We also call on all other militant groups in Lebanon to disarm. Let me be clear: we see no distinction between these groups' so-called political and military wings. Nor will we engage with them until they completely disarm—whatever their involvement in the Lebanese government.

Similarly, the United States calls for the state sponsors of these armed groups to end their support. We are particularly disturbed by the PFLP-GC and Fatah al-Intifada militias' presence along the Lebanese-Syrian border—some sections of which, as the Secretary-General has noted, fall under their illegal de facto control.

Mr. President, the United States has begun to pursue a course of principled, increased engagement in the region. But the United States will not sacrifice Lebanon's sovereignty, liberty, or independence on the altar of improved U.S. relations with one of Lebanon's neighbors. The United States will never sanction any deal at the expense of a free, sovereign, and independent Lebanon. We will never make any deal that sells out Lebanon and the Lebanese people.

This includes the important work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, which is a critical and non-negotiable part of the process of ending the era of impunity for political assassinations in Lebanon.

We will continue to call for the full implementation of Resolutions 1559 and 1680 until all directives of both resolutions are met and until the political independence and sovereignty of Lebanon are guaranteed. Finally, we will continue to support voices of peace and moderation. And we will continue to hope that Lebanon will move further along the path of peace and prosperity that all of its sovereign people deserve to walk.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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LEBANON’S POLITICAL, SECURITY SITUATION MARKEDLY IMPROVED, AFTER BEING TAKEN TO ‘BRINK OF CIVIL WAR AND BACK’ ONE YEAR AGO, SECURITY COUNCIL TOLD

2009-05-07T14:23:00.001-05:00

Special Envoy Says 7 June Parliamentary Elections New Milestone;

Warns Threat Posed by Armed Militias to Sovereignty 'Cannot Be Overstated'

One year ago, exactly, Lebanon had been taken "to the brink of civil war and back", Terje Roed-Larsen told the Security Council today, but, since then, thanks to an agreement between Lebanese political leaders brokered by the Emir of Qatar, the country's domestic, political and security situation "has improved markedly".

Mr. Roed-Larsen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004), said the violence that had erupted on 7 May 2008 had been one of the "greatest threats to the very foundations of the Lebanese State". Fortunately, the commitments made in the 21 May 2008 Doha agreement had either been implemented or meaningfully acted upon. Political divisions had not led to paralysis. The President had worked tirelessly to forge national unity. The general improvement of the situation in the country had created a favourable environment for strengthened sovereignty, political independence and Government control throughout the country.

The 7 June parliamentary elections would constitute a milestone in Lebanon's momentous transition since the adoption of resolution 1559 (2004), he said. The parties must continue to adhere to the Doha Accord, including the commitment to refrain from using weapons to settle internal political disputes.

Reporting on further strides towards the full implementation of resolution 1559 (2004), he said Syria and Lebanon had nearly completed the process leading to full diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Secretary-General had maintained his efforts to encourage Syria and Lebanon to achieve the full delineation of their common border. Lebanese members had been named to the Lebanese-Syrian border committee. The United Nations was looking forward to the appointment by Syria of its delegates to the commitments. The Secretary-General welcomed the renewed commitment by the Government of Syria to preserve the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon.

He said diplomatic efforts regarding the issue of the Shab'a Farms had continued. Israel still occupied the northern part of Ghajar in violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and relevant Council resolutions. Intrusions into Lebanese airspace by Israeli aircraft continued in high numbers. Over the last few weeks, the Lebanese authorities had arrested a series of individuals on suspicion of spying for Israel. If those allegations proved to be true, they would constitute a serious violation of Lebanon's sovereignty.

Over the reporting period, he continued, there had been no tangible progress towards the disbanding and disarming of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias. "The threat that armed groups and militias pose to the sovereignty and stability of the Lebanese State cannot be overstated, as events in May 2008 have demonstrated", he said. The disarming and disbanding of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias was vital for the complete consolidation of Lebanon as a sovereign and democratic State. The threats posed by the militias and armed groups created an atmosphere of intimidation in the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections and undermined the stability of the region. The disarming and disbanding of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias should occur through an inclusive political dialogue that addressed the political interests of all Lebanese people

He said there were alarming reports of a large number of arms in Lebanon. Hizbullah's leadership had continued to assert that it had acquired more sophisticated military technology. The United Nations did not have the means to independently verify those reports, but remained concerned by the porous nature of Lebanon's border with Syria and the continuing potential for breaches of the arms embargo. The Government of Syria had denied any involvement in any illegal transfer of weapons across its border with Lebanon.

He was also concerned by security incidents in and around Palestinian camps, some of which provided safe haven for those who sought to escape the authority of the State. Security coordination and cooperation between Lebanese security agencies and the Palestinian faction had improved and should be further encouraged. The issue of Palestinian arms outside the 12 official refugee camps had been discussed again within the National Dialogue, which had been established to develop a national defence strategy.

He said the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) and Fatah Al-Intifada maintained illegal military installations along the Lebanese-Syrian border. Although in 2006 it had been agreed in the National Dialogue that those Palestinian armed positions had to be dismantled within six months, no progress had been made. Since those two groups were both headquartered in Damascus, cooperation between the Governments of Syria and Lebanon would be important to address that matter in the best interest of regional stability.

Hizbullah continued to maintain a significant paramilitary capacity and infrastructure separate from the State, he said, something which directly challenged the Lebanese State's sovereignty and threatened regional stability. Over the last few weeks, there had been growing concern that Hizbullah had engaged in clandestine and illegal militant activities beyond Lebanese territory. On 8 April, Egypt's General Prosecutor announced that 49 people had been arrested for allegedly being part of a cell assigned by Hizbullah "to plan and carry out hostile operations on Egyptian soil". Mr. Roed-Larsen said that on 26 April he had met with Egypt's President and Foreign Minister, who shared with him preliminary elements of the investigation into the cell.

In a recent correspondence, Egypt's Government told the Secretary-General that, in 2008, a cell led by a Lebanese member of Hizbullah was uncovered, he said. In a televised speech on 29 April, the Secretary-General of Hizbullah, Sayed Hassen Nasrallah, rejected the Egyptian authorities' accusations. The Secretary-General had expressed concern over the Hizbullah leaders' statements and had condemned such unwarranted interference in the domestic affairs of a Member State. Equally alarming was the fact that Hizbullah had publicly admitted to providing support to Gaza-based militants from Egyptian territory.

Mr. Roed-Larsen reiterated that Hizbullah should cease any militant activities outside of Lebanon and complete its transformation into solely a Lebanese party. Regional parties, particularly those with close ties to Hizbullah, must encourage Hizbullah to move in that direction. The National Dialogue had made some progress, but its overall gains had been limited. All Lebanese leaders must approach the dialogue process in a spirit of cooperation and make every effort to achieve a positive, concrete outcome that would formalize the Government's monopoly over the use of force within Lebanon's boundaries and achieve progress in disarming all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias.

He called on all parties inside and outside of Lebanon to halt immediately all efforts to transfer and acquire weapons and to build paramilitary capacities outside State authority. As the Lebanese Armed Forces lacked adequate military equipment to meet their obligations under relevant Council resolutions, he called on donor countries to continue to help the Forces improve logistical and operational capabilities. He expressed concern over the occasional security incidents during the reporting period, some of which had led to casualties. Such incidents highlighted the proliferation of weapons and armed groups operating in Lebanon.

When the Council met, it had before it the ninth semi-annual report of the Secretary-General on implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004) (document S/2009/218).

The meeting started at 10:10 a.m. and adjourned at 10:35 a.m.

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UN PEACEKEEPING CHIEF MEETS WITH ISRAELI, LEBANESE OFFICIALS

2009-05-07T06:09:00.001-05:00

New York, May 6 2009 6:10PM
The United Nations peacekeeping chief today voiced hope that ongoing talks will lead to a quick end to the dispute over Ghajar, a village that straddles the so-called Blue Line separating Lebanon and Israel, as he met with officials from the two countries.

Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Alain Le Roy was attending the monthly tripartite meeting convened by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon with senior officials from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

The meeting, held at the UN Position near the Ras Al Naqoura crossing, discussed Security Council resolution 1701, which helped end the war between Israel and Hizbollah in the summer of 2006. That text also called for renewed respect for the Blue Line, the disarming of militias and an end to arms smuggling, among other measures.

Today's discussions centred on recent violations of the Blue Line, as well as the demarcation of the Line through the village of Ghajar.

In his most recent report to the Security Council on resolution 1701, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon wrote that rockets fired into Israel from south Lebanon and return fire at the time of the recent crisis in Gaza led to heightened tensions along the Blue Line.

Mr. Ban also said he was pleased that the parties have made strides to visibly mark the Blue Line, encouraging Lebanon and Israel to stay the course and build on existing momentum to curb inadvertent violations and boost confidence.

Mr. Le Roy acknowledged efforts made at the tripartite meeting on the issue of northern Ghajar, in order to achieve a complete withdrawal of the IDF from the area. "I hope that the ongoing discussions on the basis of UNIFIL's proposal of last year will lead to a speedy resolution of this matter," he stated.
May 6 2009 6:10PM

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LEBANESE GENERALS HELD IN HARIRI MURDER CASE GRANTED RELEASE BY UN-BACKED COURT

2009-04-29T18:25:00.001-05:00

New York, Apr 29 2009 2:10PM
A judge in the tribunal set up to try suspects in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri today decided to grant the release of four generals detained in connection with the 2005 bombing.

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon said that the court's Pre-Trial Judge, Daniel Fransen, had received a submission declining to seek continued detention of the generals from Prosecutor Daniel Bellemare on Monday.

The prosecutor concluded that the evidence was insufficient at this time to warrant filing indictments against Jamil Mohamad Amin El Sayed, Ali Salah El Dine El Hajj, Raymond Fouad Azar or Mostafa Fehmi Hamdan.

On 15 April, Judge Fransen ordered the prosecutor to file, by 27 April 2009, reasoned submissions stating whether or not he requested the continued holding of the generals, who had been detained by Lebanese authorities since 2005.

The judge stressed that that it is a fundamental right, enshrined in all human rights instruments, that any individual arrested or detained be brought promptly before a judge to rule on his or her status.

In declining to seek the continued detention, Mr. Bellemare said that he was guided by three basic legal principles: the presumption of innocence, the principle that detention of persons presumed innocent must always be the exception and not the rule, and the need for sufficiency of credible and admissible evidence.

The Tribunal, an independent body located in The Hague, is designed to try those accused of a series of recent political murders in Lebanon, particularly the February 2005 bombing that killed Mr. Hariri and 22 others in downtown Beirut.

It took over from the Beirut-based International Independent Investigation Commission (IIIC) in the beginning of March 2009.

The investigation of the murders continues under the guidance of Prosecutor Bellemare, who also headed the probe while the case rested with the IIIC, and a trial will take place when he has sufficient evidence in place.

"The scope of the investigation is broad and remains focused on its objective: to assist the court in establishing the truth by uncovering credible and legally admissible evidence that can lead to the filing of indictments and, later, trials," the prosecutor wrote in his Monday submission.

Asked by journalists in New York about the position of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the releases, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq stressed the independence of the Tribunal.

"The Secretary-General was not involved in earlier decisions to detain people or today's decision to release them. He respects the independence of the process," Mr. Haq said.
Apr 29 2009 2:10PM

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UN-BACKED TRIBUNAL FOR LEBANON KILLINGS SWEARS IN OFFICIALS, ADOPTS RULES

2009-03-25T18:00:00.002-05:00

New York, Mar 25 2009 3:10PM
The United Nations-backed tribunal to try the perpetrators of a massive car bomb blast that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri has appointed its main officials and adopted rules of procedures and evidence, the court announced today.

"The Special Tribunal for Lebanon now has the necessary tools to deal promptly and efficiently with the first files concerning the Hariri case, which the Lebanese authorities are expected to transfer in the next few weeks," its President, Antonio Cassese of Italy, said in a statement.

In consultation with President Cassese, who was the first president of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (<"http://www.icty.org/">ICTY), Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed François Roux of France as the head of the defence office.

The Tribunal, an independent body located in The Hague, is designed to try those accused of recent political murders in Lebanon, particularly the February 2005 assassination of Mr. Hariri and 22 others in downtown Beirut.

Daniel Bellemare, a Canadian prosecutor and former head of the International Independent Investigation Commission (IIIC) into the murders, assumed his office as Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal when it began operations earlier this month.

The judges and registrar of the court have already been sworn in as well, and rules governing detention and the directive on assignment of defence counsel have been adopted, the court said.

According to the Tribunal, President Cassese and Daniel Fransen of Belgium, the Pre-Trial Judge, will soon take up their duties on a full-time basis.

The other judges, for the Trial and Appeals Chambers, will take office on a date to be determined by the Secretary-General, in consultation with the President, and their names will be announced once all security measures are in place, the Tribunal said.

The investigation continues under the guidance of Prosecutor Bellemare, and a trial will take place when he has sufficient evidence is in place, according to the court.

START OF LEBANON TRIBUNAL 'DECISIVE MILESTONE' IN PURSUIT OF JUSTICE -- BAN

2009-03-01T18:12:00.002-05:00

New York, Mar 1 2009 3:10PM
Just over four years after former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri and 22 others were killed in a terrorist attack in Beirut, the international tribunal set up to try the perpetrators began its work today, marking what Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon deemed a historic step in the search for justice.

"The commencement of the Tribunal''s work marks a decisive milestone in the tireless efforts by all Lebanese and the international community to uncover the truth, bring those responsible for this assassination and related crimes to justice and end impunity," Mr. Ban said in a <http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=3727>statement issued by his spokesperson.
As the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, an independent body located in The Hague, commenced functioning today, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN's commitment to its mission, and called on all Members States to fully supp
ort and cooperate with the court.

The Tribunal is designed to try those accused of recent political murders in Lebanon, particularly the February 2005 assassination of Mr. Hariri in a massive car bombing in downtown Beirut that killed 22 others.

The probe into the killings is being carried out by the International Independent Investigation Commission (IIIC), headed by Daniel Bellemare, a Canadian prosecutor.

As of today, Mr. Bellemare will assume office as Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal and continue his investigations from The Hague.

Mr. Bellemare, in a letter that was published in the media yesterday, noted that the IIIC is unique and precedent-setting in many ways. "Like any new process, it was not perfect. But we adjusted and found solutions where none existed. And as we close down our doors, we will leave behind a series of lessons learned for others to benefit if needed.

"But one thing remains beyond any doubt: the reason for which it was created, that is to help the p
eople of Lebanon find the truth and put an end to impunity is a noble cause that deserves our commitment and collective effort."

He added that while the investigative work will now continue from The Hague, the Office of the Prosecutor will have a field office in Beirut, which will serve as a base for the investigators who will undertake regular missions to Lebanon to collect evidence and to meet with Lebanese officials and witnesses as required.

UN Legal Counsel Patricia O'Brien is attending today's ceremony in the Netherlands on behalf of Mr. Ban to mark the start of the Tribunal.

LEBANON TRIBUNAL SET TO BEGIN WORK NEXT WEEK, SAYS UN REPORT

2009-02-26T18:33:00.001-05:00

New York, Feb 26 2009 1:10PM
The international tribunal being set up to try those responsible for political killings in Lebanon is ready to begin its work next week, says a new United Nations report released today.

"All the necessary measures have been taken for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to commence functioning this Sunday, 1 March," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes in his latest <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2009/106">report to the Security Council.

The Special Tribunal is designed to try those accused of recent political murders in Lebanon, particularly the February 2005 assassination of Rafiq Hariri in a massive car bombing in downtown Beirut that killed 22 others.

The probe into the killings is being carried out by the International Independent Investigation Commission (IIIC), headed by Daniel Bellemare, a Canadian prosecutor.

According to the report, Mr. Bellemare will assume office as Prosecutor of the Special Tribunal on 1 March and continue his investigations from The Hague in the Netherlands, where the court is based.

The judges of the trial and appeals chambers will assume their responsibilities on a date to be determined by the Secretary-General, in consultation with the President of the Special Tribunal.

Meanwhile, the courtroom for the trials is expected to be ready for use by early 2010.

UN Legal Counsel Patricia O'Brien will attend the ceremony this Sunday in the Netherlands to mark the start of the Tribunal.

Mr. Ban pledges in his report, the last before the Tribunal begins functioning as an independent judicial body, that he will continue to ensure that the court is able to achieve its mandate in the most effective manner.

"However, the cooperation of all Member States will remain crucial for the Special Tribunal to be successful," he adds.
Feb 26 2009 1:10PM

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Williams: Damascus says to resolve Shebaa Farms issue, a peace agreement with Israel is needed

2009-01-28T07:20:00.001-05:00

United Nations Special Coordinator to Lebanon Michael Williams said the UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and UNFIL prevented the violence in the Gaza Strip to reach South Lebanon.

In an interview with An-Nahar and As-Safir newspapers on Thursday, Williams denied that the UN had any information about the identity of those responsible for the rocket-launching toward Israel and noted that UNFIL was still investigating in these incidents.
He added the Lebanese cabinet had been planning a strategy to control the Lebanese-Syrian borders, saying he hoped the government would ratify it in 2009. He expressed the UN's readiness to assist the cabinet in the technicalities entailed in implementing such a plan.
Williams affirmed the UN did not have any hard evidence to prove Hezbollah was still importing weapons through the borders, adding that the speeches of Hezbollah officials on their powerful arsenal after the 2006 July War have "raised some questions."
He also said Syrian officials had informed him and the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that Shebaa Farms were Lebanese, however, Damascus clarified that this issue could not be resolved unless a peace agreement with Israel was in place.
Williams announced his expected visit to Israel within a few weeks to discuss a plan defined by UNIFIL for the Israeli troops' withdrawal from the Ghajar village in South Lebanon toward the Blue Line.
Williams concluded that the Special Tribunal into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was a reality and would commence on March 1, noting it was now a separate issue and did not depend on the UN.

Source -NOW Lebanon

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ON BEIRUT STOP OF MIDEAST MISSION, BAN AGAIN URGES IMMEDIATE GAZA CEASEFIRE

2009-01-17T14:29:00.001-05:00

New York, Jan 17 2009 1:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, speaking in Beirut on Saturday, again urged an immediate ceasefire to end the 22-day Israeli offensive in Gaza, calling on both sides to stop the fighting first and work out the details later in a bid to halt what he called an "unprecedented" level of violence.

"We have no time to lose. I demand, again, an immediate ceasefire," Mr. Ban said in an http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=3657 address to the Lebanese National Assembly.

"Both sides must first stop the fighting now. We cannot wait for all the details, the mechanisms, to be conclusively negotiated and agreed, while civilians continue to be traumatized, injured and killed," he stated.

The Secretary-General arrived in Beirut as part of his ongoing visit to the region to help find a diplomatic solution to the crisis, which began on 27 December when Israel launched a military operation in Gaza with the stated aim of ending Hamas rocket attacks against Israel.

Three weeks of violence have already claimed over 1,000 lives, including many women and children, and wounded over 5,000, in addition to causing widespread destruction and tremendous suffering for Gaza's 1.5 million Palestinian residents.

"The level of violence in Gaza is unprecedented in recent decades," he noted, citing the high numbers of casualties, the fact that hospitals are struggling to cope and that public infrastructure has been destroyed.

"There are no safe places," he added, recalling that even UN shelters have not been able to provide sanctuary to civilians trying to flee the fighting, having come under fire several times in recent days.

Mr. Ban, who already met with officials in Cairo, Amman, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Ramallah and Ankara, said the goal of his mission is to boost diplomatic efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire, as called for by the Security Council last week in resolution 1860, and to ensure that urgent humanitarian assistance be provided, without restriction, to those in desperate need.

The Security Council's call for a ceasefire has so far gone unheeded. The UN General Assembly last night, following a two-day emergency meeting on Gaza, joined its voice to the Council by http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2009/ga10809.doc.htm demanding full respect for resolution 1860, including its call for an immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire, leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces and unimpeded provision of humanitarian aid.

Yesterday Mr. Ban conferred with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in Ramallah, and called on Israel to unilaterally cease hostilities.

"There is no time to lose, I would even strongly urge [the] Israeli Government and leadership to declare unilaterally, so that there will be a relief for humanitarian workers and [the] people of Gaza," he told reporters after meeting with Mr. Fayyad. http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuffasp?nid=1248

"We are very close to have an agreement to a ceasefire," he added, urging those involved in negotiations to wrap them up as soon as possible. "That is what I will continue to work on over the coming few days."

http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=1247 speaking to the press after his talks with President Abbas, Mr. Ban said that more days of fighting will only lead to "more casualties, more losses of human lives, more destruction. I would urge again that a unilateral declaration of a ceasefire would be necessary."

In his address today, the Secretary-General also lauded the progress made in Lebanon over the past year, with the election of President Michel Suleiman, the formation of a Government of national unity and the launching of a national dialogue.

"But this process is as fragile as it is vital," he cautioned. "I urge you to nurture it, and not allow short-term factors to deter you from shaping solutions that will stand the test of time."

He also noted that the Gaza conflict is not unlike the 2006 war between Israel and Hizbollah in which many innocent lives were lost. "I urge all parties in Lebanon and in Israel to continue to show restraint during this tense time in the region," he said.

Following recent incidents of rocket launches from Lebanese territory into Israel, and Israel's return of fire, the Secretary-General has voiced his concern over any escalation of tension along the so-called Blue Line that separates Israeli and Lebanese sides, at a time when fighting continues in Gaza.

"Further attacks across the Blue Line would put at risk the stability brought about by resolution 1701," he told Lebanese lawmakers, referring to the Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war.

While in Lebanon, Mr. Ban also visited the UN Interim Force there -- known as UNIFIL -- where he met with Force Commander Major-General Claudio Graziano and his staff, and received a briefing on
the situation in UNIFIL's area of operations and the work of the peacekeepers in collaboration with the Lebanese Armed Forces.

"UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces have together created a new security environment in south Lebanon," he noted during the visit.

"This provides a window of opportunity for achieving a permanent ceasefire and long term solution to the conflict. For this to be successful, it is important for the parties to stay committed to the process towards the full implementation of resolution 1701."

AFTER LEBANON ROCKET LAUNCH, UN PEACEKEEPERS HELP DISARM OTHERS READY TO FIRE

2009-01-15T16:29:00.001-05:00

New York, Jan 15 2009 2:10PM

After the second time in a week that rockets were fired from Lebanese territory towards Israel yesterday, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unifil/">UNIFIL) and Lebanese armed forces found a launching site and disarmed other rockets that were about to fire, a UN spokesperson said.

Also today, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned yesterday's attack, as he did in the case of last week's rocket launches, remaining "deeply concerned" over any escalation of tension along the so-called Blue Line that separates Israeli and Lebanese sides, at a time when fighting continues in Gaza.

<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unifil/pr121e.pdf">According to UNIFIL, the mission launched an investigation into yesterday's firing incident in close cooperation with the parties, intensively patrolling the area where the rockets had originated with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

Hidden amidst trees, close to a school in the general area of El Hebbariye, the joint search party discovered three rockets equipped with timers ready to be fired, on a launch pad wired with an explosive device.

The rockets were deactivated on the ground before they could launch.

In the same area, the investigation team found evidence of two rockets that had been fired in the direction of Israel, and a second UNIFIL team discovered fragments of two rockets in the area of Ain Arab, on Lebanese territory.

UNIFIL said that its Force Commander, Major-General Claudio Graziano, is in contact with the Command of the LAF and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), and has stressed the importance of UNIFIL being able to complete the investigation to ascertain as soon as possible all the facts relating to what it called a "very serious incident."

The mission will submit the results of the investigation to the UN Security Council.

In the meantime, the Force Commander has urged maximum restraint and is working with both parties to maintain the cessation of hostilities, UNIFIL said.
Jan 15 2009 2:10PM

MORE ROCKETS FIRED INTO ISRAEL FROM LEBANON DESPITE UN CALLS FOR RESTRAINT

2009-01-14T23:20:00.001-05:00

New York, Jan 14 2009 2:10PM
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that several rockets were fired at Israel from Lebanese territory today, with Israeli forces returning fire, despite calls for restraint from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and others after a similar incident last week.

There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the rockets fired from Lebanon, according to UNIFIL.

There were also no reports of damage or injuries from the firing or from the two rounds of artillery Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) fired in return, the Force said.

UNIFIL, in cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, is currently investigating on the ground close to the northern boundary of its Area of Operations in the Eastern Sector, to locate the launching site of the rocket fire.

The incident comes as the IDF continues the military operation it launched in Gaza on 27 December, with the stated aim of ending rocket and other attacks by militants in the Strip.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned last week's incident and reminded the parties of their obligation to fully adhere to Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hizbollah, and to respect the cessation of hostilities agreement.

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Claudio Graziano today once again urged maximum restraint, and is working with both parties to maintain the cessation of hostilities.

A joint UNIFIL-Lebanese patrol, during a search operation in the general area of El Hebbariye after today's rocket fire, discovered three live rockets prepared for launch and deactivated them on the spot. The two groups are continuing intensive patrolling and search throughout the area.
Jan 14 2009 2:10PM

LEBANESE LEADERS, UN ENVOY MEET ON ROCKET FIRING; OLD WEAPONS CACHE FOUND

2009-01-09T22:54:00.001-05:00

LEBANESE LEADERS, UN ENVOY MEET ON ROCKET FIRING; OLD WEAPONS CACHE FOUND
New York, Jan 9 2009 2:10PM
One day after at least three rockets were fired into Israel from south Lebanon, the top United Nations envoy there met with Lebanese leaders to discuss measures to keep tensions from Gaza from spreading to that country, while UN peacekeepers discovered an old weapons cache as part of its intensified monitoring efforts.
 
"Utmost vigilance is required during this period to avoid any tension from spreading to Lebanon," Michael Williams, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri agreed during their talks, according to a statement released by the Coordinator's office.
 
In regard to yesterday's rocket attack, Mr. Williams added, "The United Nations is encouraged by the immediate measures taken by the Lebanese Army, in very close cooperation with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, to control the situation and to prevent further incidents from taking place."
 
The two officials also discussed Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's forthcoming visit to the region, which also came up during Mr. Williams' meeting with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman.
 
The weapons cache found today was hidden inside two disused bunkers located between the hills of Kafer Chouba and Kafer Hammam in the Eastern Sector of the area of responsibility of the UN Force, known as UNIFIL.
 
According to a UNIFIL press release, the cache comprises approximately 34 Grad-P rockets along with some boxes of ammunition and was covered by camouflage nets. 
 
There was no sign of any recent use of the bunkers and the weapons appear to date from the period of the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizbollah, UNIFIL added.
 
It said that UNIFIL Explosive Ordnance Teams together with the Lebanese Armed Forces are currently conducting further inspections at the location, after which the weapons will be handed over to the Lebanese Armed Forces for disposal.
 
In accordance with UN Security Council resolution 1701 that ended the 2006 fighting, UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces are charged with ensuring that the area between the Litani River and the Israeli line of withdrawal (Blue Line) is free of armed personnel, assets, and weapons other than their own. 
 
"Recent developments have prompted us to enhance our joint presence on the ground. It was in the course of this intensified patrolling activity that the weapons cache was found," UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Claudio Graziano said.
Jan 9 2009 2:10PM

UN URGES RESTRAINT AFTER ROCKETS FIRED INTO ISRAEL FROM SOUTH LEBANON

2009-01-09T08:16:00.000-05:00

UN URGES RESTRAINT AFTER ROCKETS FIRED INTO ISRAEL FROM SOUTH LEBANON
New York, Jan 8 2009 1:10PM
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has confirmed that at least three rockets were fired into Israel from south Lebanon, with Israeli forces returning fire, and called for maximum restraint following the attack, which comes amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unifil/index.html">UNIFIL said the rockets fired into Israel came from the general area of Tayr Harfa in south Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) returned fire with a few artillery rounds directed at the location from where the rockets originated.

The IDF meanwhile is continuing with the military operation it began on 27 December, with the stated aim of ending rocket and other attacks by militants in Gaza. The nearly two-week operation has reportedly led to some 680 deaths and injured more than 3,000.

UNIFIL Force Commander General Claudio Graziano is maintaining close contact with the parties and has called for maximum restraint in order to prevent any escalation of the situation.

The parties reassured the Force Commander about their continued commitment to maintain the cessation of hostilities, in accordance with Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hizbollah.

UNIFIL, in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, has taken immediate measures to identify the perpetrators of the attack, for which no one has yet claimed responsibility.

Additional troops have been deployed on the ground and patrols have been intensified across UNIFIL's area of operations to prevent any further incidents. The Lebanese Armed Forces has also decided to deploy additional units in the south in order to further enhance security in the area.
Jan 8 2009 1:10PM

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN UN AND LEBANESE ARMY STRESSED DURING PRESIDENT''S VISIT

2008-12-27T17:53:00.002-05:00

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN UN AND LEBANESE ARMY STRESSED DURING PRESIDENT''S VISIT
New York, Dec 27 2008 1:10PM
The close cooperation between United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Lebanese Army in ensuring peace and security in the country''s southern region was stressed today during a visit by President Michel Suleiman to the mission''s headquarters in Naqoura.

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Claudio Graziano welcomed the President, noting that his presence was "a fervent expression of your sustained support and commitment" to Security Council resolution 1701, which helped end the war between Israel and Hizbollah two years ago.

The 2006 resolution also called for renewed respect for the Blue Line separating Israeli and Lebanese forces, the disarming of militias and an end to arms smuggling, among other measures.
The President''s visit also highlighted "our strategic partnership with the Lebanese Army to continue endeavours in pursuit of our shared mandate for
peace and security in southern Lebanon," stated Major-General Graziano.

The two men discussed the work of the UN peacekeepers and stressed the importance of the close cooperation between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army to ensure that the relevant provisions of resolution 1701 are fully implemented in the coming year, according to a news release issued by the mission.

The visit comes as UN peacekeepers and Lebanese troops have stepped up patrols along the border with Israel after rockets were discovered aimed at that country and ready to fire.

UN Radio reported that security forces found eight Katyusha rockets in the coastal region between Naqoura and Tair Harfa on Thursday.

UNIFIL spokeswoman Yasmina Bouziane said UNIFIL and the Lebanese army "have deployed additional troops and intensified patrols and security control of the area."

new UN envoy to Lebanon

2008-04-12T22:53:00.000-05:00

Secretary-General to appoint new UN envoy for Lebanon

10 April 2008 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has informed the Security Council of his intention to appoint Johan Verbeke of Belgium as the new United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon.

Since September 2004, Mr. Verbeke has been Belgium's Ambassador to the UN, and, in this capacity, he has served on the Security Council and on the Peacebuilding Commission.

He would replace Geir Pedersen of Norway as the senior official coordinating the UN's work in Lebanon.

UN Security Council voices concern at repeated delays to Lebanese presidential poll

2007-12-12T20:29:00.001-05:00

Security Council voices concern at repeated delays to Lebanese presidential poll

11 December 2007  The Security Council today expressed its "deep concern" at the repeated postponement of the Lebanese presidential election, warning that the delays do not serve the interests of the people of the Middle Eastern country and could lead to a further deterioration of an already tense situation.

Speaking on behalf of the Council, Ambassador Marcello Spatafora of Italy read out a presidential statement in which the 15-member body reiterated its previous calls for free and fair polls to be held without delay or foreign interference and inline with Lebanese constitutional procedures.

The statement stressed that all sides to the current stand-off must exercise restraint and pursue dialogue to prevent a worsening of the political climate.

Mr. Spatafora also commended the Government and the national armed forces for agreeing to carry out their work in line with their constitutional responsibilities until elections can be held.

Last week Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also voiced concern at the repeated delays at electing a president to succeed Emile Lahoud and urged Lebanon's political leaders to fulfil their responsibility to find a solution.

Secretary-General, Security Council outraged by another Lebanese terrorist attack

2007-12-12T19:40:00.001-05:00

Secretary-General, Security Council outraged by another Lebanese terrorist attack

12 December 2007  Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Security Council members today voiced outrage at yet another terrorist attack in Lebanon this time a car bombing in Beirut that killed a senior member of the country's armed forces and at least one of his bodyguards.

Media reports say General Francois el-Hajj and his bodyguard died after the car in which they were travelling was destroyed when a bomb detonated in the eastern suburbs of Beirut this morning.

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns this act of violence and terror on the Lebanese Armed Forces, a symbol of Lebanon's sovereignty," his spokesperson said in a statement, noting that Mr. Ban also extended his condolences to the families of those killed, the armed forces and the Government.

"He reiterates his position that this and previous attacks aimed at undermining Lebanon's sovereignty are unacceptable. It is imperative that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice."

The bombing has taken place at a time of deep political tensions in Lebanon, where planned presidential elections have had to be postponed many times in recent months.

Today's statement from Mr. Ban's spokesperson called on the Lebanese to show "calm and restraint at this critical juncture in their history. Their political leaders must exert every possible effort to resolve differences and arrive at a solution for an immediate presidential election, without conditionality, in accordance with constitutional rules."

In its own presidential statement, read out by Ambassador Marcello Spatafora of Italy, the Security Council echoed Mr. Ban's remarks and also called for the presidential poll to be held without delay, within constitutional procedures, and free of foreign interference.

Council members condemned the bombing and what they described as "all targeted assassinations" in Lebanon, where there has been a series of deadly bombings against politicians and other prominent figures in recent years.

The presidential statement demanded "an immediate end to the use of intimidation and violence against the representatives of the Lebanese people and institutions."

It also reiterated its support for the establishment of the Special Tribunal, which is being set up to try the alleged perpetrators of the February 2005 assassination in another massive car bombing of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri. Another 22 people were killed in that attack.

Taymour Joumblatt criticizes his father and defends Syria, Iran, Hezbollah and Aoun

2007-12-06T10:17:00.001-05:00

I am attaching the arabic version of the interview

Selon l'Iran, Taymour Joumblatt critique violemment son père

lundi 3 décembre 2007 - 17h41, par Chawki Freïha

Le site « Elaph.com » a publié, ce lundi, une dépêche diffusée par l'agence de presse iranienne « Farse » selon laquelle Taymour Joumblatt aurait violemment critiqué la politique de son père Walid Joumblatt, « devenu une marionnette aux mains des Américains ».

Selon l'agence iranienne, Taymour Joumblatt, qui vit à Paris, aurait accordé une interview à la journaliste française Germaine Graton, correspondante à Paris de l'Agence de presse de Montréal [NDLR : une interview trouvée nulle part], dans laquelle le futur héritier politique de Walid Joumblatt aurait estimé que son père « a commis des erreurs d'appréciation. Il est devenu une marionnette aux mains des Américains en vue de casser la Résistance (Hezbollah) ». « Mon père s'est trompé et doit s'excuser avant qu'il ne soit trop tard », aurait-il dit.

Selon Taymour, « l'Arabie saoudite et d'autres pays arabes ont informé Joumblatt père que le président américain George Bush était décidé à renverser le régime syrien avant début 2006. Il s'est alors lancé dans une aventure mal calculée pour protéger son pouvoir et la communauté druze, en prenant ses distances par rapport à la Syrie. Mais les Américains n'ont pas renversé le régime Assad et mon père doit s'excuser avant qu'il ne fasse les frais de sa politique hasardeuse »

Alors qu'aucune trace de cette interview n'est encore disponible, et tant que l'authenticité de ces propos n'est pas confirmée, il est légitime de s'interroger sur les réels objectifs iraniens à travers cette manuvre. Certains craignent en effet qu'il ne s'agisse purement et simplement d'un avertissement adressé à Walid Joumblatt. Car, en l'accusant de vouloir écraser la Résistance, l'Iran pourrait chercher à l'incriminer et à le désigner ainsi comme une « cible légitime du Hezbollah » qu'il conviendrait d'éliminer par une action préventive.

En attendant la confirmation ou le démenti des propos de Taymour, par l'intéressé, par l'agence canadienne ou par sa correspondante à Paris, Walid Joumblatt doit prendre ces informations très au sérieux pour ne pas être une nouvelle victime d'un assassinat politique. Mais dans ce cas, le signataire de l'attentat se sera dévoilé avant de passer à l'acte.

Chawki Freïha

United Nations Secretary General concerned about continuing delay in lebanese presidential elections

2007-12-05T23:57:00.000-05:00

New York, 5 December 2007 - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Lebanon

The Secretary-General is extremely concerned about the continuing delay in the election of a new president in Lebanon, which has extended well past the constitutional timeframe. Over the past few days he has spoken to key political leaders in the country to urge a solution, including Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, Speaker Nabih Berri and Majority Leader Saad Hariri. He believes it is now time for this matter to be resolved without further delay.

The Secretary-General will remain in close touch with Lebanese political leaders who bear, both to the people of Lebanon and to the future of the country, the responsibility to find a solution.

Brammertz confident of success

2007-12-05T23:55:00.000-05:00

Head of UN probe into Hariri assassination 'more confident than ever' of success

5 December 2007  The head of the United Nations probe into the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri is "more confident and optimistic than ever that the investigation can be concluded successfully," he told the Security Council today, explaining that his team has been able to answer many key questions regarding the February 2005 attack.

Serge Brammertz who will step down later this month as head of the International Independent Investigation Commission (IIIC) said he could not yet predict when the inquiry into the massive car bombing in downtown Beirut, which killed Mr. Hariri and 22 others, would be wrapped up.

"Conducting an investigation is never an exact science," he said in a briefing on the latest report of the IIIC. "The completion of the investigation will depend on the final results of several ongoing projects and on the cooperation of all States," adding that it also relied on the willingness of additional witnesses to come forward.

Mr. Brammertz, who is being succeeded as investigation chief by Daniel Bellemare of Canada, stressed that it was paramount that the IIIC continues to receive the administrative and resource support it needs to carry out its work in the months ahead.

"When I am asked whether I am satisfied with the progress made so far, my answer is absolutely yes. Important results have been achieved in many areas of the investigation despite the numerous challenges the Commission has faced. Based on the progress made in recent months, I am more confident and optimistic than ever that the investigation can be concluded successfully."

Mr. Brammertz did not reveal many details about the IIIC's findings so far, saying his Office was increasingly cautious about the release of information given that it does not want to compromise any future legal process at the planned Special Tribunal for Lebanon, being set up to deal with the Hariri killing and up to 18 other politically-related murders in the country in recent years.

But he noted that, based on hundreds of interviews and examinations, investigators have been able to answer or substantially narrow the focus on many of the key questions surrounding the bombing, including the possible motive, the identity of the suicide bomber and details about the persons who conducted active surveillance on Mr. Hariri ahead of the attack.

Ahmed Abu Addas, who appeared in a video claiming responsibility for the assassination, was not the suicide bomber, Mr. Brammertz said, but may still be connected to the attack.

He added that investigators have gathered large amounts of evidence about the video, the Mitsubishi van in which the bomb exploded, the crime scene and many other forensic issues.

Drawing on tests of DNA and teeth and other information, the IIIC "has developed one principal hypothesis" about the identity of the suicide bomber, especially the specific area of the Middle East from which the young male is thought to have originated. But more tests need to be conducted to confirm the hypothesis.

Expert findings indicate the bomber was exposed "to significant quantities of a specific type of lead, possibly through proximity to military ammunition, between the ages of 16 and 20," which could show the man was living near an area of conflict or one where weapons were regularly used, such as a military training camp.

"New expert findings have provided additional information on the possible place of birth of the unidentified male, as well as further details on the location where he may have spent his childhood."

Turning to another political assassination in Lebanon, the death of the parliamentarian Antoine Ghanem in September this year following a car bombing in eastern Beirut, Mr. Brammertz said the initial findings indicated that the perpetrators were able to conduct surveillance and mobilize a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) "within a very short window of time.

"This and other preliminary results in other cases suggest that the perpetrators had and most likely still have operational capabilities available in Beirut."

Mr. Brammertz also said that investigations so far suggest that "some operational links exist" between the various attacks being probed by the Commission.

UN Monitor

VICE-PRESIDENT OF UN-BACKED TRIBUNAL FOR LEBANON KILLINGS TAKES UP POST

UN-BACKED LEBANON TRIBUNAL LAUNCHES WEBPAGE FOR THOSE OFFERING INFORMATION

BAN CONFERS ON PEACEFUL POLLS WITH LEBANESE LEADERS

ITALY TAKES HELM OF UN COASTAL FLEET IN LEBANON

Israel hands over cluster bomb maps to UN force in Lebanon

Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative, During Security Council Consultations on Lebanon and Resolution 1559, May 7, 2009

LEBANON’S POLITICAL, SECURITY SITUATION MARKEDLY IMPROVED, AFTER BEING TAKEN TO ‘BRINK OF CIVIL WAR AND BACK’ ONE YEAR AGO, SECURITY COUNCIL TOLD

UN PEACEKEEPING CHIEF MEETS WITH ISRAELI, LEBANESE OFFICIALS

LEBANESE GENERALS HELD IN HARIRI MURDER CASE GRANTED RELEASE BY UN-BACKED COURT

UN-BACKED TRIBUNAL FOR LEBANON KILLINGS SWEARS IN OFFICIALS, ADOPTS RULES

START OF LEBANON TRIBUNAL 'DECISIVE MILESTONE' IN PURSUIT OF JUSTICE -- BAN

LEBANON TRIBUNAL SET TO BEGIN WORK NEXT WEEK, SAYS UN REPORT

Williams: Damascus says to resolve Shebaa Farms issue, a peace agreement with Israel is needed

ON BEIRUT STOP OF MIDEAST MISSION, BAN AGAIN URGES IMMEDIATE GAZA CEASEFIRE

AFTER LEBANON ROCKET LAUNCH, UN PEACEKEEPERS HELP DISARM OTHERS READY TO FIRE

MORE ROCKETS FIRED INTO ISRAEL FROM LEBANON DESPITE UN CALLS FOR RESTRAINT

LEBANESE LEADERS, UN ENVOY MEET ON ROCKET FIRING; OLD WEAPONS CACHE FOUND

UN URGES RESTRAINT AFTER ROCKETS FIRED INTO ISRAEL FROM SOUTH LEBANON

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN UN AND LEBANESE ARMY STRESSED DURING PRESIDENT''S VISIT

new UN envoy to Lebanon

Secretary-General to appoint new UN envoy for Lebanon

10 April 2008 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has informed the Security Council of his intention to appoint Johan Verbeke of Belgium as the new United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon.

UN Security Council voices concern at repeated delays to Lebanese presidential poll

Secretary-General, Security Council outraged by another Lebanese terrorist attack

Taymour Joumblatt criticizes his father and defends Syria, Iran, Hezbollah and Aoun

Selon l'Iran, Taymour Joumblatt critique violemment son père

United Nations Secretary General concerned about continuing delay in lebanese presidential elections

Brammertz confident of success

10 April 2008 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has informed the Security Council of his intention to appoint Johan Verbeke of Belgium as the new United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon.