Editor’s note: The following is the full text of an interview with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon conducted Saturday by The Daily Star.

Q: Are consultations with the Lebanese government concerning the renewal of the mandate of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon binding?

A: In accordance with the Lebanon and U.N. agreement, the STL mandate should be extended. If the works of the tribunal are not completed by Feb. 29 of this year, it is to be extended automatically. The question is how long that should be extended. That is something to be decided by me in consultation with the Security Council and Lebanese authorities. I am in the process of having [those] consultations.

Q: What about the protocol between the Lebanese government and the United Nations on the STL? Some Lebanese factions are calling for it to be amended. Is that possible?

A: The STL was established in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1757. I don’t think there is a need to change any agreement. It is a matter of extending the [court’s] mandate so that all the works can be carried out to bring to justice the perpetrators of this crime (the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri). This will send a strong message to not only perpetrators but any other potential crimes.”

As you know since this STL Lebanon was established, you have not seen any political assassinations. This means the message has been clearly conveyed. These are very important tools, mechanisms, to end impunity.

Q: Are you satisfied with the way Lebanese authorities have dealt with the indictment issued by the STL? Have they made enough efforts to apprehend the four suspects?

A: Four persons have been accused officially and it is important for the Lebanese government to fully cooperate with the STL to apprehend them as soon as possible. I am grateful to the Lebanese government for their strong commitment to the STL by contributing 49 percent of their financial obligations. I count on the continuing support and cooperation of Lebanon’s government.

Q: How do you respond to Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah saying that he was pleased that you, as well the United States and Israel, were concerned with the resistance’s growing capabilities?

A: It is important that Security Council Resolution 1559 is fully respected and implemented. I was emphasizing in my [news] conference [Friday] that while pressing my concern of Hezbollah’s military capacity it is important that all the parties should fully comply with this resolution.

Q: What if it isn’t fully implemented? you called for dialogue among Lebanese factions over the issue. What if the dialogue fails to achieve outcomes? What is the position of the U.N.?

A: There should be continuous efforts to realize this resolution, [regarding] the disarmament. These weapons outside state authority are very dangerous and harmful to peace and stability for Lebanon and also in the region. There have been allegations of illegal arms transfers. This affects negatively to overall peace and stability of Lebanon as well as in this region. This is why I expressed my concern.

Q: There have been several reports that the United Nations is receiving threats to its Lebanon offices. Are you mulling a move?

A: The location of U.N. headquarters in [Downtown] Beirut is exposed to threats, security threats, and we are concerned about this. That is why I have discussed this issue with the leadership of the Lebanese government. They also fully appreciate these security concerns. We are now discussing actively to relocate our headquarters to a safer and more secure place within Beirut, or if not, the outskirts of Beirut. But I hope the Lebanese government will render full cooperation as soon as possible.”

Q: Did you discuss with Lebanese officials the possibility of establishing humanitarian corridors between Lebanon and Syria? What is your evaluation of the work of Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s Cabinet?

A: I am very happy to work with Prime Minister Mikati on all matters. I really admire his leadership. As for the specific question of the issue of humanitarian corridors, that is to be decided in consultation with the Syrian government. At this time, the League of Arab States’ ... monitoring mission is in Syria and we are waiting for their assessment report after they return. All these issues will be discussed in due course.

Q: Will there be any military action against Syria similar to what happened in Libya in your opinion?

A: No one has raised the possibility of having military operations at this time and since the League of Arab States has already entered Syria, they are monitoring the situation. The League of Arab States’ ministerial meeting has reconfirmed the continuation of this mission. So let us wait for their assessment and I am in close consultation with Secretary General of the League [Nabil] Elaraby. We highly commend the efforts of the League of Arab States. We are going to provide technical assistance in the area of training of the monitoring teams.

Q: Is the U.N. going to help Lebanon demarcate its maritime border?

A: Lebanon has the right to explore and exploit its maritime resources in accordance with the law of the sea. Lebanon and Israel can explore their maritime resource in uncontested areas. But this needs to be discussed bi-laterally. The United Nations, unless we are mandated by the General Assembly or the Security Council, cannot directly intervene in this matter. If the Israeli and the Lebanese governments agree to give us, request us to play some mediating or facilitating role, we can do it. But I have explained this to the leadership of the Lebanese government about the current situation, [although] we will continue to discuss this matter.

Q: Will Israel pull out from the northern part of the border village of Ghajar? Are talks about the withdrawal stalled?

A: It is regrettable this issue has not been resolved. In fact there was a very positive development which took place over a year ago. The U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon has presented its plan of action to secure the security there after the withdrawal of Israeli [Army] from the northern [part] of the village of Ghajar. Unfortunately we have not received any response from the Israeli government. The Lebanese Armed Forces have agreed to the proposal of UNIFIL.”