U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon has urged Israel to compensate Lebanon for the oil spill that resulted from the bombing of the Jiyyeh power plant during the 2006 summer war.
In a report to the General Assembly, Ban lauded the efforts of the Lebanese to deal with the impact of the oil spill and urged Israel to “take the necessary actions towards assuming responsibility for prompt and adequate compensation to the Government of Lebanon.”

Ban also commended the efforts of western governments and the U.N. in responding to the oil spill and consequently to the requests of the Lebanese.

While the response of the international donor community has been both “generous and timely,” Ban urged those governments and U.N. agencies to continue their support for Lebanon, particularly for rehabilitation activities on the Lebanese coast.

“The international effort should be intensified, since Lebanon is still engaged in oil removal, waste treatment and recovery monitoring,” the U.N. chief said, noting that the oil spill is not covered by any of the international oil-spill compensation funds, and thus “merits special consideration.”