In his press conference at Baabda Palace following his meeting with President of the Republic, General Michel Aoun, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the media with the following:

“Good afternoon, I am happy to be back in Lebanon.

I have just had a productive meeting with President Aoun, where I thanked him for his hospitality.

I also expressed the gratitude of the United Nations and the international community for Lebanon’s generosity in hosting so many refugees from the Syrian conflict.

I told the President that I have come with one simple message: the United Nations stands in solidarity with the people of Lebanon.

During my visit, I will meet a wide range of political, religious and civil society leaders, including women and youth.

My objective is to discuss how we can best support the Lebanese people to overcome the current economic and financial crisis and promote peace, stability and sustainable development.

I urge the country’s politicians to work together to resolve this crisis. And I call on the international community to strengthen its support to Lebanon.

The Lebanese people expect their political leaders to restore the economy, provide a functioning government and state institutions, end corruption and safeguard human rights.

Seeing the suffering of the people of Lebanon, Lebanese political leaders do not have the right to be divided and paralyze the country.

The President of the Lebanese Republic must be the symbol of that necessary unity.

Next year’s elections will be key…Lebanon’s people must be fully engaged in choosing how the country moves forward.

Women and young people must have every opportunity to play their full part as Lebanon strives to overcome its many challenges and lays the foundations for a better future.

The United Nations will support Lebanon on every step of this journey.

As part of our commitment to Lebanon’s stability, I will visit UNIFIL in southern Lebanon.

Commitment to the full implementation of Resolution 1701 and maintaining the cessation of hostilities across the Blue Line and decreasing tensions between the parties is crucial.

I take this opportunity to salute the thousands of women and men peacekeepers who are far from their families and countries serving peace in Lebanon.

I would also like to stress that continued international support to the Lebanese army and other state security institutions is essential for the stability of Lebanon.

I encourage all Member States to continue and increase their support.

Source: National News Agency