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Lebanon

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1. Latest developments in New York

On 8 May 2013, while briefing the Security Council behind closed doors, Mr Roed-Larsen, Secretary-General Special Envoy for Lebanon, regretted the lack of significant steps in the implementation of resolution 1559.
The representative of France expressed grave concerns on the consequences of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon’s stability, especially the threat posed by the influx of Syrian refugees. The Security Council had to support the Lebanese Armed Forces to guarantee the dissociation policy of President Sleiman.

The complete timeline of events here.

2. Background

France traditionally enjoys favorable relations with Lebanon. French involvement in Lebanon is characterized as much by strong economic and cultural cooperation as by political support.

"France remains fully committed to the strengthening of the unity, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability of the country in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council, particularly resolution 1701", as reiterated by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs in the wake of the parliamentary elections held on 7 June 2009.

This commitment is notably demonstrated through the French participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). UNIFIL was created by Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426(1978). It was deployed in 1978.

UNIFIL’s mandate and personnel were strengthened and extended by resolution 1701, adopted on 11 August 2006. This resolution put an end to the month-long hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and set the parameters for a lasting cease-fire. UNIFIL, in this context, plays a key role in supporting the Lebanese army.

The primary mission of the Force is to monitor the cessation of hostilities and respect the Blue Line, as well as to assist the deployment of Lebanese Armed Forces in the south (effective from autumn 2006) and restore their authority in these areas.

UNIFIL’s troop ceiling was raised to 15,000 by resolution 1701. It has almost 11,000 personnel (March 2013). France, with almost 1,000 troops, is one of the biggest contributors after Indonesia (1,200 men) and Italy (1,100 men).

The mandate of the force was renewed by the Security Council until 30 August 2013, with resolution 2064.

UNIFIL French contingent arrives in Naqoura (Southern Lebanon) - August 2006

UN photo / Mark Garten

There is another peacekeeping operation deployed in the region : the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on the Golan Heights. The Golan Heights were conquered by Israel in 1967 from Syria. UNDOF was established in 1974 to monitor the cease-fire following the Arab-Israeli war of 1973. The force has about one thousand personnel. The UNDOF mandate is renewed every six months by a resolution of the Security Council, whose text has remained unchanged for many years, and which calls on parties to "immediately implement resolution 338" of 1973.

Resolution 1757 (2007) created the Special Tribunal for Lebanon to prosecute those responsible for the attack of 14 February 2005 which resulted in the death of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. France welcomed the commencement of the Tribunal’s work on 1 March 2009. According to the resolution, the progress of work of the Special Court will be reviewed within three years after its establishment (ie before March 2012), in consultation with the Security Council. The duration of its activities will be extended if necessary.

France has contributed €7 million to the budget of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon since its creation (including €1.5 million in 2013).

In resolution 1559 adopted in September 2004, the Security Council "reaffirms its call for the strict respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon throughout Lebanon". It "calls upon all remaining foreign forces to withdraw from Lebanon", and "calls for the disbanding and disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias".

Resolution 1559 was reaffirmed by resolution 1680 (May 2006), which calls on Syria to help Lebanon to demarcate its borders and to establish full diplomatic relations with Lebanon. It also recalls the need to carry out the disarmament of militias in Lebanon and calls for an end to arms trafficking.

The situation in Lebanon is frequently examined in the Security Council:

— The Security Council holds quarterly public debates on the "Situation in the Middle East", as well as monthly consultations, where issues related to Lebanon are regularly raised (see our file on Israel and Palestinian territories).

— Every four months, the Secretary-General produces a report on the implementation of resolution 1701, which is discussed in private consultations.

— Every six months, the Secretary-General produces a report on the implementation of resolution 1559, which is discussed in private consultations.

— The Council may also hold meetings on Lebanon as required by the situation on the ground.

Lebanon joined the Security Council as an elected member on 1 January 2010 until 31 December 2011.

(May 2013)

3. Latest French statements

24 April 2013 – Security Council - Situation in the Middle-East – Statement by Mr Gérard Araud, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations

24 October 2011 - Security Council - Debate on the Middle East - Statement by Mr. Gérard Araud, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations

All French Statements here

Read all the statements by France at the Security Council under the Agenda Item "Situation in the Middle East" in our file on Israel - Palestinian Territories