USG briefs SecCo/Syrian withdrawal verification team in Lebanon before month-end - Noon Briefing - Spokesman's Office (excerpts)

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPOKESMAN'S NOON BRIEFING

BY STEPHANE DUJARRIC
ASSOCIATE SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Thursday , 21 April, 2005

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ISRAELI DISENGAGEMENT FROM GAZA & NORTHERN WEST BANK WILL BE A LANDMARK

The Security Council today held an open meeting on the Middle East, at which Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Kieran Prendergast, said that the revived peace process there is still fragile and that “doubts and suspicions” still need to be dispelled about both Israeli intentions and Palestinian resolve and capabilities.
Prendergast said Israel's planned disengagement from Gaza and the northern West Bank will be a landmark in Israeli-Palestinian relations, and urged both sides to ensure that it happens in a coordinated way, and that it does not become a dead end, but contributes to the momentum for peace.
Prendergast also touched on the situation in Lebanon, noting that the work of the International Independent Investigation Commission into the assassination of Rafik Hariri is expected to begin “very shortly.” After the meeting, the Council proceeded to hold consultations on the same topic.

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SYRIAN WITHDRAWAL VERIFICATION TEAM TO ARRIVE IN LEBANON BEFORE END OF MONTH

Asked when the team being sent to verify the implementation of resolution 1559 is scheduled to arrive in Lebanon, the Spokesman said that the team is expected to travel to Lebanon by the end of the month at the latest. He added that it was small, technical team, well versed in verification matters.
Asked if Syrian President Bashar Assad will meet with the Secretary-General in Jakarta, the Spokesman said it was his understanding that President Assad would not be going to Jakarta.
Asked if the commission tasked with investigating the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariar has already been formed, the Spokesman said it had not, but an announcement would be made once it has.
Asked about the contents of the Secretary-General's report on resolution 1559, the Spokesman said that the report may include the official confirmation from Syria and Lebanon that Syria has withdrawal, but the findings of the verification team will not be included and that these will not available until later.
He noted that the Secretary-General's upcoming report will be sent to the Security Council no later than 26 April.

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USG briefs SecCo/Syrian withdrawal verification team in Lebanon before month-end – Noon Briefing – Spokesman’s Office (excerpts)