UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon revealed in an interview with Al Hayat that he received “calls” from Iranian leaders whose identity he “is not supposed to disclose” – “That kind of communication confirmed my belief that there was something wrong in the elections.” The Secretary General rejected the Iranian government's criticism, saying they are not appropriate and that he won't be intimidated by them. He urged repeatedly to resolve the current situation “as soon as possible without using force in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law”, calling for “the genuine and free will of the Iranian people to be fully respected in the most transparent and objective manner: the freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of information”, and stressing on the necessity of putting an end to the arrest of demonstrators and “leaders of opposition without any charges”. Moreover, regarding the increased talk about the necessity of sanctioning Israel if Benjamin Netanyahu's government continues to refuse to freeze settlements and implement international resolutions, Ban-Ki Moon didn't fully exclude resorting to sanctions, but said that “before talking about any punishment or accountability, sanctions even, it is time for dialogue and negotiations”. On the eve of leaving New York to Italy to participate in the Quartet meeting for peace in the Middle East with the Arab Follow Up Committee members, the Secretary General confirmed that their going with their own ideas of steps to push forward the Obama initiative “is very good”. He added that the Quartet meeting is being held at “a crucial time”. Ban-Ki Moon complained that Israel ignores his stances and those of the international community regarding the settlements and other issues. “It is not responding to me only, they are not responding to all- to the United States and the Quartet. That is why we are gathering. I am also frustrated by all this- by not moving on this with progress.” The Secretary General revealed that he had a long talk on Wednesday with Isralei Defense Minister Ehud Barak to discuss Ban-Ki Moon's suggestion to kick-start the earlier recovery of Gaza by opening the crossings for reconstruction material to complete UN work that was suspended in 2007. He said that Barak wanted to “have more time in principle”, and that there is no “definite positive answer yet. But, basically, they are positively inclined to this “kick start” UN project”. Ban-Ki Moon supported Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's statement about building the institutions necessary for the Palestinian State in two years, and declared that the United Nations will offer help “In whatever and every way. We are here to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.” He expressed disappointment with the Middle East Peace Progress in general- in particular between Israelis and Palestinians which has not been moving well even while there are “encouraging developments in the situation in Lebanon”. He added that these developments constitute an opportunity and that the situation in Lebanon isn't fragile. Ban-Ki Moon also said: “You have had a very good election. Now, we are waiting for a formation of a government. This will be very important”. Moreover, “The implementation of 1701 by next forthcoming government will be important. The Tribunal is now working smoothly. So, this is a good framework we have succeeded to establish.” Regarding Iraq, the Secretary General said that he might not be able to remove the Chapter 7 conditions in his coming report since “this may require some more time”. He added: “I think, basically, with all this passage of time as well as a change of situation, it may be necessary to review all these resolutions, one by one, case by case- in principle. As for the specific question regarding removing Chapter 7 conditions, the Kuwaiti Government has a different position. And, there are some countries in the region that also think some different way.” He assured: “I am not in a position to say anything about this particular issue in my report at this time.” UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon expressed his discontent from the Iranian foreign ministry's criticism of his stances on the recent developments, and said that “the criticism by the Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson is not right. It is not appropriate to criticize the Secretary General of the United Nations when I am doing my proper role as Secretary General”. He also affirmed that he won't be “intimidated” by this criticism. He considered that he was the first person to make strong positions against Iran as well as against North Korea and the Israeli measures in Gaza, and that many world leaders followed his statements – adding that his “statement came earlier than President Obama's statement”. The Secretary General said “I am proud that I have been one of the World Leaders that have really made some impact and made a difference in furthering the democratization process of Lebanon”, stressing on the efforts he made with leaders in Lebanon and the world. He added that “Lebanon has been one of the top priorities in terms of regional issues. If I see the progress in Lebanon, I expect that there should be some progress in the Middle East in general. But I am disappointed with the Middle East Peace Progress in general- in particular between Israelis and Palestinians which has not been moving well even while we have seen encouraging developments in the situation in Lebanon, including the relationship between Lebanon and Syria.” The full interview is below: Dergham / Al Hayat:The Iranian Foreign Ministry criticized you and said that you were interfering in internal affairs because of your last statement. Do you feel intimidated? UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon: No. I think I did what I should do as a Secretary General. The criticism by the Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson is not right. It is not appropriate to criticize the Secretary General of the United Nations when I am doing my proper role as Secretary General. Now, I expressed my strong wish that the genuine and free will of the Iranian people should be fully respected in the most transparent and objective manner: The freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of information, the basic freedom of any human being. And the political and civil right of the Iranian people should be protected. Q: On the other hand, other people criticized you for being too slow in being vocal and expressing what you just said. They say these are standard positions that a Secretary General should take and that you took too long. A: No, I do not think so. I was the first person to make my position the very next day when this election result was announced. And I think even some of the leaders of some other countries followed my statement… Q: So it was not the other way around? Some say that you were following President Obama's footsteps- not UK's Gordon Brown's or France's Nicola Sarkozy's. You are saying that other leaders followed in your footsteps? A: No, I think my statement came earlier than President Obama's statement. And, in many cases, I noticed that many world leaders followed my statement. When North Korea detonated nuclear tests and nuclear weapons, I was the first person- when traveling in Europe- to issue my statement. Then, I think you have followed many statements including from the United States. You may remember that when the Gaza situation occurred, I was one of the most vocal persons who spoke out against Israel and for the protection of the civilian populations as well as the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Q: So, in this case- as a follow up to what you just said- what do you think the International Community should do now? Having seen what you have seen on the streets of Tehran, do you agree with those who say its time to speak of further sanctions on Iran? Secretary General: This is an internal political issue- the election issue- which created this controversy within themselves. But what we are now talking about and asking the Iranian Government to do is that first of all, all differences of opinions, controversies, should be addressed and resolved peacefully without using excessive force by military police forces, and without arresting them (demonstrators and leaders of opposition) without any charges. Q: But they are going on with that despite all these appeals, Mr. Secretary General. A: Yes. I am not quite sure what the Security Council will say. There are Security Council Resolutions that impose the sanctions on Iranians (related to) nuclear programs. This I think is something we expect and urge them to resolve as soon as possible without using force in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law. Q: Did you watch some of these videos of the people on the streets? A: Yes, I saw it. I saw them many times. Q: How did you feel? A: Very dismaying and very much concerned and particularly when I saw that very young lady who was killed…Neda. That was very sad for me. Q: Do you think the women of Iran have come out in a different way that you did not expect? A: I saw among all these footages many women who are participating in the demonstrations for their freedom and for all this justice. Q: Did anybody from the opposition contact you from either the reformers in Iran or the opposition movement? A: In fact, I received some communications even though I am not supposed to disclose the names. That kind of communication confirmed my belief that there was something wrong in the elections. Q: You mean from Mr. Mousavi? A: No. Some Iranians. Some Iranians. Dergham / Al Hayat: So you will not tell me who? A: (No) Q: And you will not tell me what they asked you. Did they ask you for anything in particular? A: They were appealing that the United Nations should take a proper (position or action) and he said that my statement was the right one. Q: Apparently the Iranians say: no annulments of the elections, no recount, President Ahmadinejad is to be sworn in. In light of what has been taking place, will that have an impact on the nuclear talks? A: In principle, I think they should not be related or linked. The Iranian nuclear issue and the issue of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and programs are very serious issues and very important issues. And, I urge that this negotiation should continue. Q: So you believe in the continuation with the policy of engagement? A: Yes. Q: President Obama in his last statement indicated that they would be going back to the “drawing table” and taking a look at the policy he envisioned with Iran after he had seen...Do you think the policy of engagement is still the valid one? A: I think so. I would encourage continuing the dialogue and this is exactly what I have been speaking about to both Iranian authorities - including President Ahmadinejad, Foreign Minister Mottaki- and also with the European negotiators and also the Americans. Therefore, this negotiation on the nuclear issue should go on without being linked with these domestic political issues. Q: I am talking about the engagement with Iran on all other issue. I mean, basically, there seems to be right now a weaker, or more fractured, or a challenged regime from within Iran. Does that make one take a second look and think again whether this is the government that the world should embrace without any preconditions, particularly after the crackdown on rights and on demonstrations and on the media? A: That depends on national government leaders, but I will support what President Obama has said- to have a dialogue, to engage in all the matters. In principle, there is no alternative than to have a dialogue - resolving all the issues through dialogue and engagement. Q: He condemned the action by the Iranian Government. Do you condemn Iran for the action that… A: This is what I did and this is what President Obama did on that issue (crackdown on demonstrators). But that should be, I think, a separate one (from nuclear issue). Q: Do you fear that Iran may escalate in Iraq or Lebanon in order to change the subject away from the pressures of the internal level. Are you worried about that? A: Whenever I have been meeting with the Iranians, I have been asking them, urging them to play a constructive role for peace and stability in the region. In the cases of Iraq and also Lebanon, they have their certain important role to play for promotion of the peace there. Q: I want ask you quickly about Iraq before I move on to The Middle East issue. You were asked by the Security Council to recommend whether Iraq should be taken out of under Chapter 7. Do you think Iraq should be taken out of the Chapter 7 Resolutions? A: I know that the Iraqi Government wanted to review all these Security Council Resolutions adopted against Iraq. I have met many times with Iraqi leaders and most recently they have asked me to review all these previous Security Council resolutions- all of them. I think, basically, with all this passage of time as well as a change of situation, it may be necessary to review all these resolutions, one by one, case by case- in principle. As for the specific question regarding removing Chapter 7 conditions, the Kuwaiti Government has a different position. And, there are some countries in the region that also think some different way. Therefore, I would hope that the Iraqi Government would continue their consultation with the concerned parties there and including with Security Council members. Q: But you are supposed to report to the Security Council on that. A: Recently, the Foreign Ministers of both countries had a very constructive talk on this issue. I hope that they will continue to do that. I am not in a position to say anything about this particular issue in my report at this time. But I have not yet submitted my report. Q: But will you make a decision? A: No. I may not be able to do that. This may require some more time. Q: Let me take you to the Quartet to the meeting that you are going to in Italy. Let me start with a very clear thing – Israel has rejected your call to freeze settlements, the same of President Obama's call to freeze settlements. The world is saying “no” settlements but settlements go on. You met with several Israeli officials. I know what you told them: freeze settlements. But they say they will not. So now what? Now what do you do? A: First of all, I will continue to urge Israelis to freeze settlements including from the natural growth of all these settlements. First of all, they should support the two-state vision. And, I was encouraged when Prime Minister Netanyahu supported this two-state vision… Q: Conditionally… A: …yes, with conditionality- many conditions. That was one regrettable issue. I am going to attend the Quartet meeting and I hope this Quartet will be able to strongly reaffirm all these basic principles embodied in the Security Council Resolution and the Arab peace Initiative… Q: Is that enough? A: No. This is crucial time. It is crucial that all Palestinians and Israelis seize this moment, and this is what we are going to push for very hard. And even this morning (Wednesday) I had telephone talks with Israeli leaders. Yesterday I have spoken with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad, and all the times I have been working very hard. Q: Is it time to think of sanctions to force Israel to respond and respect the resolutions and the positions of the international community? A: At this time, just dialogue and negotiations should continue. Q: What about accountability? What if they continue to say “no” to all of you - members of the Quartet? A: This Quartet is taking place during a very crucial, important period now. Q: So what is your vision? I mean, you must have a vision knowing the positions of the Israelis and the defiance of the Government of Mr. Netanyahu. A: This vision should come from Israel and the Palestinians, first of all. Our vision is there to help and facilitate this ongoing negotiation. They must begin their bilateral negotiations. Q: What do you think of Prime Minister Fayyad's statement about building the institutions necessary for the Palestinian State in two years. A: The independent state of the Palestinians? That has been an aspiration for many, many years now. The sooner, the better. Q: He was saying the building of institutions for the Palestinian state in two years. Will the UN help in that? A: In whatever and every way. We are here to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Q: Did you get a response to your proposal to Defense Minister Ehud Barak to “kick start” the earlier recovery in Gaza by opening the crossings for reconstruction material to complete UN work that was suspended in 2007? A: Specifically for that proposal, I had a long talk with him this morning. Q: And? A: We have to continue and press....He wanted to have more time. In principle… Q: So you do not have “yes” for an answer yet? A: Not a definite positive answer yet. But, basically, they are positively inclined to this “kick start” UN project.... Q: This interview will be published on Friday, the day you are with the Quartet. You must be going with wanting to “jump start” the regional peace. From the angel of your own contribution-other than what others are doing- what are you taking with you? A: I hope this time with the Quartet principles and the Arab Follow Up Committee members we will have much strengthened visions and concrete ideas to really push this Peace Process. Q: The Arabs are going with their own ideas of steps to push forward the Obama initiative. A: Yes, that will be very good. Q: What sort of steps would you like to see? A: I have to discuss this with other members. Now, in Gaza we should have some transformative changes for reconstruction and humanitarian issues. Without improving all these conditions in Gaza, I am afraid that we are almost going back to “status quo” as before in December, last year, before the outbreak of this Gaza situation. And there must be some relaxation of restraint in the West Bank so that they can be engaged in improving their social, economic conditions. Q: Right, but what is going on is that the Israelis are going on with demolishing Palestinian homes, with the separation wall and enclosures, etc. One would say to you- the Quartet, including you, Secretary General: give us the vision on how you are going to break that deadlock given that the Israelis are not responding to you? A: It is not responding to me only, they are not responding to all- to United States and the Quartet. That is why we are gathering. I am also frustrated by all this- by not moving on this with progress. Q: Still, no punishments yet though? No accountability to push further? A: Before talking about punishment or accountability, sanctions even, it is time for dialogue and negotiations. Q: Lebanon, in effect, has been, I think, some people would say, your success story because much of the resolutions of the United Nations have been implemented. Do you feel now after the momentum that has taken place in Lebanon, do you feel that this is a fragile situation or is this an opportunity … A: …This is an opportunity… Q: Is it an opportunity to implement all provisions of all resolutions? How do you think of the Lebanon Dossier? How did you think you contributed to it in a nutshell and where do you like it to go? A: I am proud that I have been one of the World Leaders that have really made some impact and made a difference in furthering the democratization process of Lebanon. I have paid so long time and energy speaking not only to the world leaders, but also to Lebanese leaders, regional leaders, and world leaders. I have visited Lebanon myself three times at least. Lebanon has been one of the top priorities in terms of regional issues. If I see the progress in Lebanon, I expect that there should be some progress in the Middle East in general. But I am disappointed with the Middle East Peace Progress in general- in particular between Israelis and Palestinians which has not been moving well even while we have seen encouraging developments in the situation in Lebanon, including the relationship between Lebanon and Syria, I have been working very hard, speaking to Syrian President Assad that he must do all what he could do in a constructive way to improve a relationship (with Lebanon). Now, they have exchanged the ambassadors, and this is again very encouraging. You have had a very good election. Now, we are waiting for a formation of a government. This will be very important. The implementation of 1701 by next forthcoming government will be important. The Tribunal is now working smoothly. So, this is a good framework we have succeeded to establish.
