On the first anniversary commemorating the end of the July 2006 Israeli-Lebanese war, Geir O. Pedersen, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, wrote an Op-Ed article entitled A time for reflection, a call for action , praising Lebanese resilience in overcoming crises and stressing the need for Lebanese decision-makers to reach an agreement that would be supported by the international community and would put an end to tensions and friction.
Below is the full text of the article:
Only one year ago, the Lebanese people were emerging from a conflict that resulted in the displacement of nearly a quarter of the population and destruction across the country. In the months after, important strides have been made towards reconstruction and rebuilding, which is a testament to the resilience of the Lebanese people. Since the end of the ‘July War,’ however, significant divisions have emerged on the political scene. The tensions they bring about hinder progress and threaten stability once more. In this climate, the Lebanese people and their leaders have a choice. If they wish to forge a prosperous and peaceful future for their country, they must be able to overcome their differences and work together towards that purpose.
When the almost one million displaced Lebanese began to return to their homes on August 14, 2006, many were wrought with despair. In total, 30,000 housing units were destroyed or heavily damaged. The country’s infrastructure was also badly affected. Cluster munitions dropped during the war, and particularly at its end, still contaminate the South, having already killed over 30 people since the end of the conflict and having injured over 100.
In light of these difficult circumstances, the progress made in reconstruction, and restoring stability in the country has been positive but is still incomplete. The passage of Security Council Resolution 1701, and the subsequent deployment of UNIFIL alongside the Lebanese army with the cooperation and support of all parties and factions, has been instrumental in safeguarding peace in Lebanon. The continued support of all parties for the Resolution and UNIFIL, however, will be imperative towards maintaining this climate of stability. Lebanese NGOs, the government, and other local organizations, with support from bilateral donors, the United Nations and other multilateral actors, have worked to help rebuild homes and lives, and restore a sense of normalcy in areas affected by last summer’s war. However, there are many people and areas which have yet to see the full benefit of these programs.
Of course, significant work remains, not only with regards to reconstruction, but also in order to reach a sustainable ceasefire. Israeli overflights into Lebanese territory will have to stop and Lebanese borders properly secured to prevent arms smuggling. The issue of the Shaba’a Farms is under close study and solid progress has been made towards a provisional determination of the geographical extent of the area. Similarly, negotiations to bring about the release of the two Israeli soldiers, as well as of Lebanese prisoners are ongoing, and will hopefully bear results in the near future. We also continue to encourage an internal Lebanese process and dialogue to achieve the disarmament of all groups in the country. The challenge now will be to move from a cessation of hostilities to a permanent ceasefire and armistice agreement. The United Nations will spare no effort in regard to these issues.
Unlike the cooperative spirit that marked the relief and development efforts in the aftermath of the conflict, the political atmosphere of the past months has been fraught with mistrust and disunity. The ruling majority and the opposition remain deadlocked. This stalemate has given rise to new dangers. The atmosphere of political division quickly gave way to clashes in January of this year, which turned deadly. More worrying has been the resurgence of sectarian language in many circles.
Lebanon cannot afford such a fractious political atmosphere, especially in such a volatile region. Additionally, this state of political disunity can give space to those seeking to destabilize the security situation. In the coming weeks, Lebanese political leaders will have to work together in order for a new President to be elected. This event represents an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to overcome their differences for the sake of their country. It is high time that discussions focus on programs and ideas that address issues of national interest, rather than narrow party agendas. While there are a number of external influences that impact the internal political process, at the end of the day, it is the Lebanese who should decide for themselves what path they seek to take. There are a number of initiatives to assist the various parties to come together in dialogue and reach mutually acceptable solutions, both on the presidency and the composition of the government. These efforts will continue, and will be supported to the utmost extent possible by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. In all cases, the emergence of two competing governments must be avoided.
Lebanon is a country blessed with a diverse culture and a rich, albeit troubled, history. Lessons must be drawn from it if the Lebanese are to avoid an ominous future. Today, one year after the July War, Lebanon’s leaders must ask themselves whether they wish to risk their country’s future, or instead build a society that can provide hope, rather than continuing despair, for its citizens.
Geir Pedersenis the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon.
