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Kabtani to Asharq Al-Awsat: Only Tunisian Text Discussed at Security Council

Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Kais Kabtani
Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Kais Kabtani
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Kabtani to Asharq Al-Awsat: Only Tunisian Text Discussed at Security Council

Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Kais Kabtani
Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Kais Kabtani

Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Kais Kabtani has stressed that only a resolution drafted by his country and France on a ceasefire in various conflicts around the world during the coronavirus pandemic is under discussion at the Security Council.

“The only draft resolution put on the (Council’s) table is Tunisia’s,” Kabtani told Asharq Al-Awsat. “There’s no other resolution,” he said, when asked about a new text submitted by Germany and Estonia on Tuesday.

The latest draft-resolution was “stillborn,” the diplomat said, adding that most Council members are willing to discuss the Tunisian-French draft, which was introduced seven weeks ago.

“The United States and China are ready to reach an agreement” on the text, said Kabtani.

The main point of contention in the Tunisian-French resolution is the mention of the World Health Organization (WHO).

“The dangers facing humanity today require us to overcome such differences,” the ambassador told Aaharq Al-Awsat when asked if he believed the problem on the mention of the WHO could be resolved.

“Tunisian President Kais Saied is personally following up the deliberations on the draft resolution because he believes that the situation requires a strong and consensual” move, said Kabtani, calling on the Security Council to assume its full responsibility.

Saied and the Tunisian Foreign Minister are in daily contact with the Security Council’s member states so that they overcome their differences and reach consensus, he added.

On whether Tunisia had set a timeframe for unanimity on the text, the ambassador said an agreement hinges on the Council members, reiterating his call for unity among them.

Asked about coordination with the African and Arab groups, Kabtani said that since Tunisia’s election as a non-permanent member, it has announced that it would be the voice of African and Arab countries.

“We do so with pride and enthusiasm,” he said.

According to the diplomat, Tunisia is in constant coordination with the Arab group in the Council on most Arab causes, mainly that of Palestine.

Kabtani warned about the dangers of Israel’s planned annexation of Palestinian territories in the occupied West Bank, saying it strikes the Arab peace initiative and the two-state solution in clear violation of international law.

Confirming coordination with Saudi Arabia on issues such as Yemen’s war, the diplomat told the daily that Tunisia calls for the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen.

“We also back all regional and international efforts to push Yemen’s political process forward through UN-sponsored talks,” he said.

On US efforts to extend the Security Council arms embargo on Tehran, Kabtani said: “Our stance is clear. We reject all that leads to the proliferation of arms.”

“Tunisia rejects all forms of meddling in Arab internal affairs,” he said while stressing the importance of preserving the security of Gulf states and the region.

“But we also call for good neighborly ties and peaceful coexistence among countries,” he added.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.