S/PV.5401 Security Council

I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Lebanon in which he requests to be invited to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council’s agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the consideration of the item, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided.

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2006/176, which contains the report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 1644 (2005). Members of the Council also have before them document S/2006/186, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by France, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided.

There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1664 (2006). I give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Boutros Assaker, Acting Secretary-General of the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, who wishes to make a statement.

The Lebanese Government welcomes the resolution adopted by the Security Council, which mandates the Secretary-General to begin negotiations with Lebanon regarding the establishment of a tribunal of an international character. The tribunal will follow up on the findings of the investigation concerning the assassination of Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and his companions. My Government considers the unanimous vote on the resolution, coupled with the Lebanese consensus on the subject, to be a clear indication of the international community’s strong commitment and determination to punish ail those involved in that terrorist crime. That, in turn, will deter criminals and promote security and stability in Lebanon and throughout the region. The Lebanese Government will spare no effort to conclude negotiations with the Secretary-General as quickly as possible. My Government also expresses its readiness to use all available means to arrive at a clear and solid text for the agreement defining the form and working methods of the tribunal — a text that would earn the approval and support of the Council. The values of truth, freedom and sovereignty are complementary, and requisites for every democratic regime. Uncovering the truth and trying those involved will contribute significantly to the consolidation of democracy in Lebanon. It will further reinforce Lebanon’s sovereignty and preserve the freedom of its people. We recognize the role played by you, Mr. President, by the members of the Security Council and by the Secretary-General in the realization of those objectives.

The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.