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 the Mission’s view that an international independent investigation would be necessary to uncover the truth. To carry out such an investigation, there would be need for a self-sufficient team, comprising the different fields of expertise that are usually involved in carrying out similarly large investigations in national systems, with the necessary support staff and resources, and knowledge of the legal and other systems involved. Such a team would need an executive authority to carry out interrogations, searches and other relevant tasks. The team could be assisted and advised by Lebanese legal resources without prejudice to its independence. It is, however, more than doubtful that such an investigation team could carry out its tasks satisfactorily — and receive the necessary active cooperation from local authorities — while the current leadership of the Lebanese security services remains in office.

63. Fourth, it is the Mission’s conclusion that the restoration of the integrity and credibility of the Lebanese security apparatus is of vital importance to the security and stability of the country. A sustained effort to restructure, reform and retrain the Lebanese security services will be necessary to achieve this end, and will certainly require assistance and active engagement on the part of the international community. Based on the Mission’s review of the current set-up of the Lebanese security apparatus, six main areas have been identified as priorities for security reform: (a) decoupling security from politics and establishing a professional service; (b) nationalizing the security apparatus by disentangling it from external influence and by raising it above sectarianism; (c) establishing a democratic police service, with special attention to the rule of law and human rights; (d) establishing clear lines of reporting; (e) capacity-building; and (f) introducing clear mechanisms for accountability and judicial oversight.

64. Finally, it is also the Mission’s view that international and regional political support will be necessary to safeguard Lebanon’s national unity and to shield its fragile polity from unwarranted pressure. Improving the prospects for peace and security in the region would offer a more solid ground for restoring normalcy in Lebanon.

Peter FitzGerald Head of the United Nations Fact-finding Mission in Lebanon New York

24 March 2005