UNITED NATIONS - / MaximsNews Network / 29 October 2009 -A new report issued today by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon emphasized that it is critical to Lebanon ’s future that Hizbollah and other armed groups are not allowed to remain active in their present form.

This publication is an update on the progress Lebanon has made into putting into place Security Council Resolution 1559, passed five years ago. Under the resolution, bringing an end to the armed groups is one of the tasks prescribed, other include holding transparent, legitimate elections and ceasing activities abroad.

Mr. Ban explained, “The threats posed by the existence of militias outside the control of the State, especially Hizbollah’s vast paramilitary infrastructure, cannot be overstated… For this reason, I appeal to all parties, inside and outside of Lebanon , to halt immediately all efforts to transfer or acquire weapons and to build paramilitary capacities outside the authority of the State.”

The Secretary General also expressed “deep concern” that Hizbollah has been overt about its backing of Palestinian armed groups. Resolution 1559 portrays these activities as “another serious threat.” The difficult situation for refugees in camps in Palestine have added power to extremist elements. The UN has said that improvement in the camps is necessary and  “in the best interest of the wider security situation in the country.”

Lebanon has also made progress, however, the report noted. The parliamentary elections were considered largely fair and the number of people who went to cast their ballot was unprecedented for the country.

Further, normal diplomatic ties have been reestablished between Lebanon and Syria , including the establishment of embassies, although the border between them is still unclear.

Also discussed in the Secretary General’s report was the fact that Israeli planes are still making incursions into Lebanon ’s airspace, in contravention of Security Council resolutions. He told the international community, “I deplore these violations and call on Israel to cease such overflights.” Nor has Israel pulled back from one section of Ghajar or engaged with initiative to reach an agreement over Shab’a Farms.

Meanwhile, rockets are still being launched into Israel from sites in Lebanon , as has retaliation from Israel . The most recent strike took place on Monday evening and targeted Kirvat Shmona. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) then sent artillery shells towards the area where the rocket originated.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon have opened an inquiry into this week’s attack along with the Lebanese military.

The Secretary General spoke out against Monday’s incident and made clear, “All parties must fully adhere to Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and respect the cessation of hostilities agreement.” Under this resolution, both countries must uphold the Blue Line between them.

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