Relations with Syria and Iran at issue as Lebanon takes seat on Security Council

By Malek Mohammed Misbah in Beirut
For Al-Shorfa.com
2009-12-18

[Daniel Barry/Getty Images] When Lebanon takes its place on the UN Security Council, it will be called on to present a united Arab position.

For the first time in 56 years, Lebanon will take its turn as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Beginning in January of 2010, it replaces Libya as the representative of the Arab Group, and it will face sensitive international, regional and national issues.

President Michel Suleiman wrote in a letter presented to the Lebanese people on the eve of Independence Day (November 22nd) that Lebanon would be able "from the highest international body, to work, in a better way, to protect its national interests and defend just Arab issues, and to participate in finding peaceful and fair solutions to the problems and conflicts raised in the international arena."

But Dr. Maha Zaraket, a professor at the Lebanese University, told Al-Shorfa that there is concern about Lebanon occupying this position.

"Lebanon is now witnessing a discussion about this issue, and what worries some Lebanese is the effect of foreign policies on the domestic situation," said Zaraket. "They worry about sensitive issues such as Lebanon's relations with Syria and Iran, and Lebanon's relations with western nations, especially America and France. This coincides with a discussion in western capitals and centers of diplomatic decisions about doubts in Lebanon's ability to take on this role considering its sensitive internal position that intertwines with regional and international issues."

Zaraket believes that the main source of concern in political circles is Iran's nuclear weapons.

"They say that Lebanon's position regarding this issue will be subject to pressure from internal elements, especially Hezbollah, and will lead to internal repercussions if it follows the western position or repercussions from the west if it chose national security and peace at the expense of the international community."

There are also many questions about what Lebanon would do if a sensitive issue is introduced that Arab nations do not agree upon while Lebanon serves as their representative. Former Lebanese ambassador Dr. Riad Tabara, based in Washington, told Al-Shorfa, that Lebanon's role does not need to be a difficult one in this regard.

"If the Arab countries agree on a particular issue before the Security Council, Lebanon has to concur," he said." But, if the Arab countries do not agree on a particular issue, then Lebanon has to take a conciliatory role and try to get the Arab Group to reach an agreement that will unify them either for or against this issue. But if the Arab Group could not reach an agreement, then Lebanon may be able to abstain from voting, and then, in my opinion, no one would be angry, and Lebanon would not be put in a difficult position."

Samir Saadawi, Al-Hayat's international editor, sees the Security Council seat as a way for Lebanon to gain experience on the international scene.

"Despite the view that the non-permanent members of the Security Council have limited effectiveness compared to the role of the five permanent members, membership in the Security Council will give each country experience in working out these resolutions and a chance to either reach a majority or avoid a veto regarding certain resolutions," he told Al-Shorfa.

Regarding Lebanon's weight in the Security Council, Saadawi said, "Most likely it will not be the side that will shift the balance or make the decision."

"Its vote will become important if one of the permanent members cannot not get nine votes behind a decision to pass or fail it," he added.

Bookmarking

Please comment on this article so that we can improve the experience of viewing this website.