UN Council warns of threats and challenges in Lebanon

United Nations, Dec 13 (UNI) The UN Security Council has welcomed the progress in monitoring the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and has voiced its concern at the reports of illegal movements of arms, Israeli violations of Lebanese air space and the presence of ''very high numbers of unexploded ordnance'' in the affected area.

The powerful 15-member council in a presidential statement reiterated its ''full support for the legitimate and democratically elected government of Lebanon,'' urged all parties to pay ''full respect for the democratic institutions of the country in conformity with the constitution'' and condemned any attempt to destabilise the country.

Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr al-Thani, yesterday read the statement, which followed a letter earlier this month from Secretary-General Kofi Annan detailing the latest work of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Qatar holds the rotating Council presidency for this month.

The statement noting the ''important progress'' being made towards Resolution 1701, which ended the conflict between the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and Hizbollah earlier this year, commended the Lebanese government for the work it has done to extend its authority throughout the territory, especially in the south, through the deployment of members of its armed forces.

The statement welcomed the work of UNIFIL, which now has more than 10,000 troops deployed in southern Lebanon, monitoring the Blue Line of Israeli withdrawal, and called for continued international support to the mission.

Mr Sheikh Hamad while observing that there was ''deep concern'' at the ongoing Israeli overflights of Lebanese airspace, said members were calling on all parties to respect the cessation of hostilities and the Blue Line and to avoid any acts of provocation.

The council said it was also concerned about reports, so far unverified, that there have been illegal movement of arms into Lebanon, a violation of Resolution 1701. However, it welcomed the Lebanese Government's initial steps to prevent such movements.

Sheikh Hamad said the continuing presence of unexploded ordnance, including cluster bombs in southern Lebanon remains a serious problem, causing death or injury to dozens of civilians and several de-miners.

The council ''reaffirms the urgent needs for the unconditional release of the abducted Israeli soldiers,'' the presidential statement said, adding that members encourage efforts ''aimed at settling the issue of the Lebanese prisoners detained in Israel'' as well.

The recent appointment by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan of a senior cartographer to ''review relevant material and develop an accurate territorial definition of the Shab'a Farms area'' was also welcomed.

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