BEIRUT: U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon Friday condemned Israel’s repeated violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty, describing them as a threat to credibility of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, and urged the country to demilitarize all militias.

Ban was quoted by Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s press office as saying during a meeting with Mikati at the Grand Serail that he would discuss the matter of Israeli violations with Israeli officials during his upcoming visit to Israel, emphasizing the importance of Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Ghajar village.

The U.N. secretary-general, who arrived to Beirut earlier Friday, urged the acceleration of strategic dialogue between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL in order to enable the army to take full control of south Lebanon.

He also urged Lebanon to secure its borders and work to demilitarize militias. In turn, Mikati said that Lebanon has committed to its international obligations even during its toughest times, and that therefore, the international community should force Israel to commit to U.N. resolutions.

“Lebanon has always respected its obligations even in the toughest times including those related to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, but only that does not safeguard stability and peace; the international community should face Israel and force it to commit to its resolutions,” Mikati’s press office quoted him as saying.

Mikati also said that the aggressive practices by Israel against Lebanon and the presence of its spy networks used against Lebanon disrupt the work of UNIFIL.

“Israel does not give any weight to the will of the international community and acts on the basis that it is an exception and international resolutions do not apply to it,” Mikati told Ban.

Upon his arrival to Lebanon, Ban was met at Rafik Hariri International Airport by Economy Minister Nicholas Nahhas.

He was then taken to Baabda Palace, where he met with President Michel Sleiman.

During his three-day visit, Ban will also be meeting Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and other Lebanese officials.

Berri has said the issue of maritime border demarcation and oil exploration off the Lebanese coast will be the first topic to be discussed with Ban.

Ban is scheduled to hold a news conference at the Phoenicia InterContinental Hotel later Friday. Mikati will host a dinner for Ban at the Grand Serail Saturday evening.