UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres addressed the Lebanese on the eve of his visit as the country is going through one of the most serious economic and social crises, until being considered by the World Bank as the one of the 3 worst economic crises in the world since the mid-19th century.
Antonio Guterres should thus meet various Lebanese officials, including the head of state, General Michel Aoun, but also Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the President of the Chamber Nabih Berri to discuss the solutions to be implemented in the face of the current crisis. and reiterate its call for the holding of legislative elections on time as the government remains paralyzed following the boycott of the ministers of Hezbollah and the Amal movement after the indictment of several relatives of the president of the chamber of deputies Nabih Berri in the part of the investigation into the identification of those responsible for the explosion of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate inside the port of Beirut, August 4, 2020. This explosion left more than 200 dead and more than 6,500 injured.
Address by the UN Secretary General
I come to Lebanon with a simple message: the United Nations stands with the Lebanese people.
From our political teams and peacekeepers to our aid workers and development professionals, the entire United Nations family is focused on supporting Lebanon and its people.
During my visit, I will meet with different Lebanese leaders and representatives to discuss how best to help you overcome the crisis and promote peace, stability, justice, development and human rights.
I hope to have the chance to speak and listen to people from all walks of life and from all communities.
Lasting solutions can only come from within Lebanon. It is essential that leaders put the people first and implement the reforms necessary to get Lebanon back on track, including efforts to promote accountability and transparency, and root out corruption.
Next year’s elections will be essential. The Lebanese people must be fully engaged in choosing how your country moves forward. Women and young people must have every opportunity to fully play their role.
This is the only way for Lebanon to lay the foundations for a better future.
The United Nations will support Lebanon every step of the way.
Thanks, shukran, and I can’t wait to spend some time in Cedar Land.
