Secretary-General Urges Lebanon’s Leaders to Make Compromises Essential

 

for Electing President, in International Support Group Remarks

 

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks to the ministerial meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon, in New York today:

Exactly one year after its establishment, and as demonstrated during the successful follow-up meetings held in Paris and Rome, the International Support Group for Lebanon continues to reflect the international community’s shared support for the unity which you, Mr. Prime Minister, have sought to sustain in Government and across the political divide in the face of exceptional challenges.

At a turbulent time for the region, Lebanon remains strongly committed to coexistence.  The Lebanese Armed Forces, with the support of UNIFIL [United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon], are contributing to the maintenance of calm across the Blue Line and the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).  But they also face the growing spillover of the Syrian crisis, including attacks and brutal acts of terrorism by extremist groups, which we condemn.

The Lebanese Army and security forces have performed robustly, but there is an urgent need to increase their capabilities.  I would like to acknowledge the latest pledge by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the contributions being made by Member States.  The United Nations will continue to play its part, including through support for the Army’s five-year development plan, the Strategic Dialogue and cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism.

Lebanon hosts the highest ratio per capita of refugees in the world.  Over the past year, mechanisms have been put in place to ensure the efficient provision of assistance, including a multi-donor trust fund.  Together we are working on a national response plan to complement the Government’s Road Map for stabilization.  Lebanon, however, has received far less assistance than it needs.  As long as the region is aflame and the war in Syria continues, the rights and safety of refugees in Lebanon must be respected in accordance with international humanitarian norms.  But the strains on Lebanon will remain immense and the burden it is bearing must be shared.

This Support Group warmly welcomed the formation of the present broad-based, inclusive Government in Lebanon.  Under your leadership, Mr. Prime Minister, it has wisely continued to pursue the policy of disassociation.  That and the commitments contained in the Baabda Declaration remain essential to limit the impact on Lebanon of the war in Syria.

Lebanon’s ability to weather the storm requires the effective functioning of all of the institutions of the State.  It is now four months since President Sleiman’s term ended, and less than two months until Parliament’s term ends.  I urge all of Lebanon’s leaders to engage in dialogue now and make the compromises essential for the election of a President without further delay.  I hope this Group and other key friends of Lebanon will echo this message.

I am grateful to the participants in the International Support Group for its assistance.  The international unity which this Group has demonstrated will remain crucial for Lebanon and the region.  I hope Lebanon’s leaders will draw strength from the Group’s support to make the important decisions needed for the sake of the country and its people.

Thank you for your leadership.

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For information media • not an official record