UNITED NATIONS - The Security Council is examining a French-drafted statement to be issued soon in relation with the situation in Lebanon and precisely about Hezbollah's expansion of its activities.

The council would express "grave concern at persistent reports of breaches of the arms embargo along the Lebanon-Syria border," and at "reports, which have not been refuted, that suspected armed Hezbollah elements are alleged to be constructing new facilities in the Bekaa Valley."

The Council would also take note of the "detailed information" conveyed by the Government of Lebanon about the "dangerous activities of armed elements and groups, in particular PFLP-GC and Fatah Intifada, and reiterate its call for the disbanding and disarmament of all militias and armed groups in particular in Lebanon."

It would further "underscore the obligation of all member states, particularly the Syrian Arab Republic and Iran," to take all necessary measures to implement resolution 1701 in regard to the enforcement of the arms embargo.

The lengthy statement is expected to be read in a council open meeting later this week, diplomats said. -Kuna