Hizbullah says UN role could create `chaotic Lebanon`

Hizbullah says UN role could create `chaotic Lebanon`
Qassem invites `February 14` forces to hold `Lebanese session` to discuss formation of Hariri tribunal
Source: Daily Star 14-4-2007
BEIRUT: Hizbullah said Friday that in order to avoid "a chaotic Lebanon" the United Nations should remain at an equal distance from all political players and avoid interfering in the country`s internal affairs. The advisory came two days after the Lebanese government sent the UN Security Council a second request to consider alternative means for establishing the international tribunal to try suspects in former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri`s murder and subsequent crimes.
"The Security Council should not get too involved in the Lebanese details, it should remain neutral if they want a stable Lebanon," Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hizbullah`s number two, told the party`s Al-Nour Radio. "But if they want a chaotic Lebanon, then what they are doing is leading toward the direction they want."
Qassem said establishing the court under Chapter 7 of the UN charter, which would obviate the need for Parliament`s approval, would lead to a confrontation with half of the Lebanese population.
"When we go to Chapter 7, it means we are no longer dealing with a criminal court but are in front of a different issue and all the other details would become meaningless because it would be about confronting a new reality," Qassem said.
"It won`t be a matter of uncovering the killers of President Hariri."
He urged the pro-government `March (Feb.) 14` Forces to hold "a Lebanese session" to discuss amending the draft law of the court, which would eventually lead to establishing the court through constitutional means.
"Any path other than this, there will be no value for any amendments and no meaning for any discussion that is taking place in the absence of the Lebanese themselves," Hizbullah`s deputy said.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on Thursday that he hoped the "Lebanese government would take the necessary measures, constitutional, among themselves, through dialogue by promoting a national reconciliation."
Ban`s legal adviser, Nicola Michel, is scheduled to arrive to Beirut on Sunday, according to the press office of Premier Fouad Siniora. Ban and Siniora discussed during a telephone call the details of Michel`s visits.
A Russian envoy, Alexander Sultanov, is due in Beirut on Monday. He will also visit Damascus on Tuesday to discuss the international court and Russia`s position.
Mikhail Margelov, chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the upper chamber of the Russian Parliament, said on Wednesday that the "forceful shortsighted approach" of the Hizbullah-led opposition would lead to the creation of the tribunal under Chapter 7.
Local newspapers said Friday that the UN and the Lebanese government are still examining possibilities for establishing the international tribunal through Lebanese constitutional measures.