I have just had a very positive and productive meeting with Prime Minister Tamam Salam.
I expressed the UN’s support for his leadership, and his efforts to maintain the unity and effectiveness of the government as it seeks to resolve key issues in the in the interest of all Lebanese.
We discussed the latest challenges facing the government, including the need for a well-functioning cabinet to deal quickly with immediate concerns of public service provision, such as waste management, power supply and public service salaries, while paving the way for long term investments to be made available in the interest of all Lebanese
I noted the extension of senior national security positions. I am hopeful this will contribute to maintaining Lebanon’s stability at this critical time.
The Prime Minister and I shared our concern that the prolonged vacuum in the Presidency of the Republic continues seriously to undermine Lebanon's ability to address economic, social and security challenges facing the country. I call once again on parties to show urgency and flexibility in the election of a new President.