THE PULSE OF THE MIDDLE EAST
In an interview with Al-Hayat, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized the need to confront the Islamic State (IS). He also confirmed his support for the international trend to form an alliance with a US-European leadership. Ban left this alliance’s parties to be decided by the member countries. He believes that a resolution issued by the Security Council giving international legitimacy to attack IS “would be great, but the group’s militants are committing violent crimes and this is unacceptable.”
Ban Ki-moon saluted the formation of the new Iraqi government and called on the Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds to be moderate and to participate in an inclusive political dialogue. He reiterated his previous stance concerning the illegitimacy of President Bashar al-Assad and attributed the four-year Syrian crisis to the presence of IS and other extremist groups in Iraq and Syria. He believes that “Assad’s top priority should be to end the violence and allow his people to unite again and rebuild their country.”
The secretary-general confirmed that he still believes in punishing the people responsible for targeting the UN centers in Gaza leading to the killing of the personnel, noting that he will form a fact-finding committee to investigate these events, in addition to investigating the storage of weapons in facilities affiliated with the United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA).
He also guaranteed that there was no Plan B to the Egyptian initiative to achieve a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, noting that the UN is ready to supervise the cease-fire and apply any related agreements through an international watch mechanism.
On the subject of his stance on the Palestinian demands for the UN to set a timeframe to end the occupation, he said, “The timeframe should be discussed and agreed upon by the parties of the peace process.”
He also called on the Lebanese parties to rise above their limited interests, since Lebanon is facing serious challenges, especially the danger of an IS infiltration into the country.
The interview:
Al-Hayat: Is the UN part of this new alliance that is being formed to fight IS?
Ban: I appreciate the countries that support, as members of the alliance, fighting the terrorist attacks and acts committed by IS. I have asked and will continue to ask the powerful and influential countries and the world’s leaders to do the same and I have already spoken about this matter publicly.
Al-Hayat: Do you have a role as the UN?
Ban: As the UN, we are not a member [of this alliance], but we are against all sorts of terrorism, extremism and radicalism.
Al-Hayat: In the event that there is military action against IS, which will eventually happen, is there a need for a Security Council resolution?
Ban: If there were to be a Security Council resolution and the council is united, it would be the perfect and adequate solution. However, IS militants are committing violent crimes and this is unacceptable. This is why certain countries took military procedures, but without spreading their forces on the ground. There were only air operations, some military support and airstrikes.
Al-Hayat: There is no need for the Security Council to give its approval for the airstrikes then?
Ban: We will handle this matter when we have to make difficult decisions.
Al-Hayat: In Iraq, it has been happening at the request of the Iraqi government. However, in Syria, if the government is not part of the alliance, will the member countries need the Syrian government’s authorization to strike?
Ban: I am aware that certain countries are trying to discuss this matter and the UN’s stance will be announced when the time is right. However, it is crucial for the international community to stand united and show great sympathy with any measures taken to eliminate terrorism.
Al-Hayat: Who will pay the fees of these operations?
Ban: I believe the concerned country will handle them.
Al-Hayat: Is there a specific budget from the UN’s general budget to fight terrorism? Taking into account the $100 million donated by Saudi Arabia to the UN Counter-Terrorism Center?
Ban: The UN does not have a specified budget for this matter. The generous donation by the Saudi king goes to reinforcing the capabilities of the countries affected by terrorism, such as many African countries including Nigeria, Kenya and Somalia. We are doing our best to help these countries regain their capabilities.
Al-Hayat: Do you have an idea whether or not the alliance will include Russia?
Ban: I am not sure. It is the Russian government’s decision.
Al-Hayat: What about Iran?
Ban: Again, the countries are the ones who decide. The alliance is not officially formed yet. Certain countries led by the US, Britain and France are discussing this matter along with other European countries, Australia and several others. However, the countries are the ones to decide if it will participate or not. As secretary-general, all I can say is that no single country, a group of countries or an organization can act alone. This should happen with the significant support and sympathy of the international community.
Al-Hayat: The Iranian influence in Iraq is very clear. What would you ask Iran to do in Iraq to reinforce the strategy of fighting IS?
Ban: Iran has a regional power and it has always played its role in the region. I ask the Iranian leadership to play a constructive role in order to achieve peace and stability in the region.
Al-Hayat: What is a constructive role? What do you mean by that?
Ban: Whatever it does, [Iran] should contribute in maintaining security and an inclusive partnership. This is all I ask of it.
Al-Hayat: In Iraq? You mean reaching an inclusive government in Iraq?
Ban: I spoke to former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, to the Iraqi leadership … I called for a comprehensive dialogue between Iraqis.
Al-Hayat: Do you mean that you spoke with the current Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi?
Ban: This is our stance and it has always been well known. I did not speak to Prime Minister Abadi, but when I met him when he was still member of the parliament, our stance was the same.
Al-Hayat: What about the Saudi role? Will it be by supporting the Sunni moderation or through an effective role on the field against the Sunni extremists?
Ban: Saudi Arabia is an important power in the region and in the peace process in the Middle East, the security and stability of the entire region. This is why I hold King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz in high esteem. I met with him and asked him about the advice he offered and the impact he had while playing this important role. For instance, during my first term, when a serious crisis broke out in Darfur, he was the one who helped deploy the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) forces. I also met with him during the Gaza crisis. Today, in the Middle East, it would best for the security and peace of the entire region, if Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds unite. Sunnis ought to play a moderate role, while Kurds and Shiites ought to engage in the comprehensive dialogue.
Al-Hayat: Does fighting IS in Syria necessarily require reviving the regime of President Assad?
Ban: This is a very delicate matter. The Syrian crisis has been ongoing for four years, and perhaps there could be some elements. Let us take a look at the crisis today. People may ask what is the role of President Assad, but first and foremost Assad ought to concentrate on putting an end to violence, so that his country and people can rebuild the unity of the government. At this time, IS and extremists are the result of the ongoing Syrian crisis, which allowed them to become deep-rooted in society.
Al-Hayat: Is Assad’s partnership in the coalition required? Because this could lead to the revival of his role?
Ban: I did not talk about any coalition (partnership) with Assad!
Al-Hayat: My question is, is it necessary for Assad to be a partner in the coalition?
Ban: He could play a role in addressing extremism through putting an end to the crisis the soonest and then engage in a political dialogue.
Al-Hayat: In an interview with me two years ago, you said that Assad has lost legitimacy. Do you still believe so?
Ban: The situation is changing now.
Al-Hayat: But has the question of legitimacy changed?
Ban: Would it be fair to say that he enjoys legitimacy? I do not think so.
Al-Hayat: What about your Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura? He is now in Syria. What task have you entrusted him with? You are accused of downplaying his role to this effect in order to lower expectations? What are the powers you granted him?
Ban: I did not grant him powers to downplay his role. This not true. I gave him full confidence to do what he can as per his powers as my special envoy.
Al-Hayat: So what is he doing in Syria now?
Ban: His main task is to pave the way for a new beginning through concerted efforts so that political dialogue can be launched soon.
Al-Hayat: Did he talk to the opposition, or will he talk to the government as his first step?
Ban: His first step will be with the Syrian government. He may also head to other countries in the region such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey, among others.
Al-Hayat: And Iran as well?
Ban: Yes, also Iran.
Al-Hayat: What would his demands be? Why would he travel to these three countries?
Ban: These important countries could play an important role.
Al-Hayat: Did these three countries agree to host him? Because as we recall, Lakhdar Brahimi faced some problems when he was heading to Tehran, and Riyadh did not receive him?
Ban: I spoke with the Saudi king, presidents and the prime minister in Turkey, as well as all main countries in the regions, and I presented him to them. They were all supportive of my decision to appoint him.
Al-Hayat: What about Iran?
Ban: I don’t think this will be a problem.
Al-Hayat: But my question is, will his trip to Iran be a problem for Saudi Arabia?
Ban: Brahimi and Kofi Annan went to all these places.
Al-Hayat: But Saudi Arabia did not receive him [Brahimi] because of his visit to Iran.
Ban: I will not comment on this now.
Al-Hayat: Is Mistura working on Geneva III or will he start a new path and new process?
Ban: He and I have not yet put any path or process to this effect because he is still now in the starting [phase], which is launching talks with concerned countries. Any ideas will be defined after his return.
Al-Hayat: Who is negotiating with Jabhat al-Nusra on your behalf for the release of the Fijian soldiers in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights? Is Qatar negotiating on your behalf?
Ban: First, we are in the midst of negotiations with the armed groups. I will not determine which party is carrying out this task, but we are using all possible channels.
Al-Hayat: What are the demands of Jabhat al-Nusra?
Ban: Nothing is confirmed yet. We have seen some reports, but nothing is for sure. There are no clear demands and we are still in the process of talks.
Al-Hayat: Are there any governments engaged in these talks, Qatar or any other country?
Ban: I will not say anything about Qatar or any other country. But we are doing the best we can do.
Al-Hayat: The Golan Heights is close to Mount Hermon in Lebanon. Will this region be part of the works of UNDOF in light of the recent developments in the current situation?
Ban: Despite the kidnapping of our Fijian soldiers, the difficult situation and the attacks on UNDOF sites, our peacekeeping forces there are working with courage and I truly appreciate that. We will continue our mission there.
Al-Hayat: There are talks in Lebanon about the need to expand the areas of operations of UN Resolution 1701 for the deployment of peacekeeping troops between Syria and Lebanon due to the increased infiltration of Jabhat al-Nusra and IS to Lebanon. Is this underway?
Ban: I did not hear anything about lifting or changing the mandate of Resolution 1701, but what I can tell you is that it is very important for the Lebanese government and people to show unity amid all these dangerous problems. I am very concerned about the infiltration of IS members into Lebanon. Therefore, it is only natural that a government be formed and a president be elected. I sincerely hope that [the Lebanese parties] will overcome this and disregard personal interests, as this is not the right time for this.
Al-Hayat: Do you think that Hezbollah’s fighting in Syria contributed to the infiltration of IS to Lebanon?
Ban: The ongoing situation in Syria allowed IS and other extremist members to have a breeding ground.
Al-Hayat: But I am talking about Hezbollah’s fighting in Syria. You know that there is a UN Security Council resolution on foreign fighters from Jabhat al-Nusra and IS, but there is no mention of Hezbollah. Do you feel that this is a unilateral decision since it did not mention Hezbollah?
Ban: I will not comment or interfere in what the Security Council decides.
Al-Hayat: I am asking about Hezbollah’s fighting in Syria. You have always been very critical of Hezbollah fighting in Syria. Do you think that it had contributed to the arrival of IS to Lebanon?
Ban: There are probably a number of factors. Yet, as I have said, the ongoing instability and violence in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and in the rest of the region have allowed IS and extremist groups to achieve a breakthrough.
Al-Hayat: Your special representative in Lebanon, Derek Plumbly, headed to Saudi Arabia and Iran to discuss the Lebanese issue. What did he ask for?
Ban: This is always important, [Nikolay] Mladenov, [the UN special representative for Iraq] will be visiting the region’s countries. It is always important for the special representatives, whether in Iraq, Lebanon or any other country, to have constructive support in the countries of the region.
Al-Hayat: You have always supported the principle of accountability and the lifting of immunity. Let’s take Israel’s crimes in Gaza. Do you think you’ll be able to hold Israel accountable for the crimes that may be considered as war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly against children?
Ban: A very serious discussion took place at the Human Rights Council, and it was agreed on the formation of a fact-finding committee, which is currently operating. Let’s wait for its report and conclusions. Those who are responsible must be held accountable, whoever they are.
For my part, I’m also examining the establishment of a fact-finding committee on the killing and injuries of UN personnel and the destruction of UN facilities.
Al-Hayat: When?
Ban: We will see when the report is concluded. I intend to conduct an investigation of what happened to the weapons that were found in UN facilities. I discussed this matter with the Israeli authorities, and even though I have not embarked on it yet, this is what I intend to do.
Al-Hayat: How confident are you of the success of the Egyptian initiative on Gaza, do you have a Plan B in the event of its failure?
Ban: Why are you talking about a Plan B? We are always working about Plan A, and there is no Plan B. For example, there is no Plan B for climate change.
Al-Hayat: But this is different, because there is a history of cease-fire agreements that failed to hold.
Ban: I hope that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s cease-fire initiative will hold and lead to discussing the peace process in the Middle East. I think that we have to tackle the roots of the crisis.
Al-Hayat: You mean the occupation?
Ban: The occupation, lifting [the siege] and having Israel manage to live in peace and security and enjoy the right to exist and the full guarantee of the parties.
Al-Hayat: You talked about a watch mechanism in Gaza to monitor the implementation of the agreement and to monitor the crossing, what do you think should be done in this regard?
Ban: The main countries are working on this now. At least three draft resolutions have been prepared in the Security Council, namely from Jordan, the US and the EU, and they are now trying to get the parties together. Robert Serry informed the Security Council, and we have raised the possibility of granting the UN the authority to take over the monitoring and verifying task and the border mechanism for a major reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip, including the private sector. I hope a quick agreement will be reached in this regard.
Al-Hayat: Palestinians are asking to specify a timeframe and framework to end the occupation. Do you support this proposition?
Ban: In principle, the occupation should end. How long will that take? This is a question that should be seriously discussed among the parties in the peace process. I am well-aware that there are some ideas and talks already going on, but this will be a long-term issue. The most important thing for now is to avoid returning to violence and for the cease-fire to be permanent and the peace process to get back on track. All these issues must be discussed.
Al-Hayat: Is it possible to reform Libya? Or is too late to do anything?
Ban: No, I do not think it is too late. We are working hard, and I appointed Bernardino Leon as my special envoy. He is highly experienced and will represent the UN and international community. I negotiated with the Europeans, Americans and all the key players.
Al-Hayat: Why did you appoint him? To do what?
Ban: I met with him last week before he left to Tripoli, and he will meet all parties. First, they have to end the internal violence.
Al-Hayat: How so? The international community has interfered, and some say that the situation now is the result of this intervention. What’s your take on this effectively?
Ban: He started talks with Misrata and Zintan on how to facilitate the deliberations instead of fighting. This is a very important process for us to see how the UN will get along with the parties.
Al-Hayat: Do you support an Arab intervention in Libya, especially from its neighbors, to save it?
Ban: I look forward to the support of the influential states. What do you mean by Arab intervention?
Al-Hayat: I mean Egypt, Algeria, the neighboring [countries] … They are worried about the Libyan situation, and perhaps they might have to cooperate together even if that meant on the military level, yes, I mean military.
Ban: I won’t comment on this, but I read some reports about some military intervention. However, it is important for the neighboring countries that can influence the different parties to urge them to sit at the dialogue table. This is their country. Libya was freed from Moammar Gadhafi’s dictatorship through a popular revolution. This was a good result of the Arab Spring. The problem now is among the Libyans themselves. They are fighting each other. The foreign intervention is not to blame.
Al-Hayat: Do you regret supporting the Arab Spring and pushing it further, especially in Libya? You ignored many warnings of consequences and of the radical Islamists reaching power. You actually welcomed the right of Islamists to reach power. Do you have any regrets?
Ban: No, why would I [have regrets]? This is the right way. History is being written now, and democracy will be promoted further to respect the dignity of people and foster it. Perhaps there are impediments, but nobody can stop this overwhelming inclination toward an Arab Spring.
Al-Hayat: But, when you look at the situation in Libya and Syria, what do you feel sorry about the most? Do you regret supporting international intervention in Libya or refusing intervention in Syria?
Ban: I regret the short-sightedness regarding history and the future. I am sorry about that. Some leaders care more about their own selfish interests and should see the greater future picture for the sake of their people and countries. I believe that the Arab Spring prompted action for more participation and democracy when it first started. It wanted to be the clear voice of people and make that voice heard. Therefore, I am sorry about the shortsightedness of these leaders.
Al-Hayat: Everybody acknowledged that the Maliki problem in Iraq was resolved, while the Assad problem in Syria hasn’t been resolved yet due to the stances you have pointed out before. Isn’t it time to resolve this?
Ban: It is our common responsibility to help the Syrian people regain peace and harmony without fear. I have more faith now since the Iraqi government was formed with Abadi as premier. This is great news for us. I truly hope and urge Prime Minister Abadi to engage in serious dialogue.
Al-Hayat: When it comes to Syria, do you call on the Iranian and Russian leaders to deal with the Syrian crisis from a different perspective to solve the Assad problem? Do you think the clash with Ukraine will widen the gap between Russia and the West regarding Syria?
Ban: I have been discussing this issue with the Iranians, Russians and other leaders in the region. They should unite their efforts for the sake of the Syrian people. The General Assembly is a great opportunity to discuss the Syrian affairs with all parties.
PUBLISHED
London, Pan Arab
ESTABLISHED
1946
LANGUAGE
Arabic
FREQUENCY
daily
