U.N.'s Plumbly: No Fear over UNIFIL Troops after EU Decision on Hizbullah

by Naharnet Newsdesk 25 July 2013, 15:41

United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly assured on Thursday that there is no fear over the presence of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon after the European Union decided to blacklist the military wing of Hizbullah.

“The United Nations is the United Nations. It is made up of all states and UNIFIL includes troops from over 30 states,” Plumbly said after meeting with Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel at the latter's house in al-Metn's town of Bikfaya.

He remarked: “I believe everyone in Lebanon and in the region is benefiting from the security and stability that derives from the presence of UNIFIL troops in the South.”

Asked about his opinion on adding Hizbullah's military wing to the European list of terrorist organizations, Plumbly told reporters: “This is a European decision and it is not for me to comment on this.”

EU foreign ministers on Monday decided to put the military wing of the Hizbullah on its list of terrorist organizations despite Lebanon warning against such a move.

The U.N. coordinator refused to comment on the cabinet's formation, saying that “the decision regarding the shape of the government is up to Lebanon.”

“This is not up to me. This is a strictly Lebanese decision.”

He noted, however, that “a capable government would require support from all sides.”

Plumbly called for forming an “effective cabinet.”

“As far as the U.N. is concerned, it is important to have an effective partner, which is not a criticism of current ministers but the current government is a caretaker government. I believe the Lebanese people share the desire for an effective government.”

The talks with Gemayel also tackled the presence of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Plumbly revealed.

“We discussed cooperation between the U.N. and Lebanon and how to ensure the needed assistance to the refugees and to make available the necessary support for the cabinet, municipalities and host communities,” he elaborated.

"This is very important for the U.N.”