Beirut, Lebanon
Tuesday, 05 May 2015
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag met today the Minister of Information Ramzi Jreige and then she visited the National News Agency where she met its Director Laure Sleiman. The visit took place for the occasion of World Press Freedom Day that the United Nations marks every year on 3 May.
“The freedom of speech of Lebanon and the diversity of the country is something that should really be nurtured,” Ms. Kaag said after meeting Minister Jreige. She also highlighted the importance of safeguarding “Lebanon’s security, stability and stabilization at a time when the region is in deep protracted crisis and when Lebanon is also bearing a significant impact of this crisis.” Ms. Kaag stressed the importance of electing a new Lebanese President almost one year into the presidential vacancy. “We of course also looked at the importance the role the presidency plays in achieving all the goals that Lebanon has set for itself and its population,” she added. After her meeting with NNA Director Laure Sleiman, the UN Special Coordinator praised the work that the NNA has achieved in the history of Lebanon and Ms. Sleiman’s current leadership. “Independent, facts-based reporting on Lebanon, for the whole Lebanon is so critical, particularly when the times are sensitive politically or when the average listener, or reader or television viewer has questions. So getting the news out is important and getting reliable news out is even more important,” Ms. Kaag said. The UN Special Coordinator also toured with Ms. Sleiman the National News Agency offices where she met with staff from different departments.