In a briefing on Aug. 16, Nissi said UNIFIL has become a hostage of
Hizbullah. He said the government of Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora
has refused to grant permission to UN peace-keepers to halt Hizbullah
weapons smuggling or deployment south of the Litani River, a key element of
Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the Israeli-Hizbullah war in
2006.
"1701 also calls for the implementation of [Security Council resolution]
1559, especially the disarmament of the militias, and calls for sealing the
border between Lebanon and Syria and forbidding the entering of arms and
weapons via the border, especially to Hizbullah," Nissi said.
"So Hizbullah
is violating 1701 big time, and not only by hiding its weapons in warehouses
in the south. Also, we haven't seen any weapons coming out of the south
after the war of 2006. So did Hizbullah throw its weapons used in the
2006 war into the sea?"
The monitoring group, with representatives in Lebanon and other
countries, disputed an assertion by UNIFIL commander Maj. Gen. Claudio
Graziano that Hizbullah was honoring resolution 1701. Graziano also said
UNIFIL maintained excellent relations with the militia.
"Is the UNIFIL mandate to coordinate with Hizbullah or to kick Hizbullah
out south of the Litani?" Nissi responded.
Former UNIFIL adviser Timor Goksel said the 13,500 international
peace-keeping force has sought to avoid friction with Hizbullah. Goksel told
a briefing in Beirut that Hizbullah has established a major presence in
southern Lebanon.
"I know they are careful not to challenge UNIFIL and there is
practically no visible Hizbullah fighter to be seen," Goksel said. "As far
as UNIFIL is concerned, this is compliance."
