Beirut, Lebanon
Monday, 24 August 2015
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Ms. Sigrid Kaag, noted recent citizens’ protests and rightful, public demands for basic services and the effective functioning of Government. She underscored the importance of protecting the rights of citizens to peacefully express their wishes and demands.
Reports of violence and destruction of public property by some elements following yesterday’s demonstration are of serious concern. The Special Coordinator expressed deep regret at the death of one demonstrator and the number of people injured and called on all concerned to exercise maximum restraint.
The Special Coordinator noted Prime Minister Tamam Salam's clear statement yesterday.
She expressed strong support for his efforts to promote political consensus,
and reiterated the call for political accountability of the country's leaders
towards their citizens. “Lebanon’s leaders must act in the national interest,
especially at this critical time,” she said. Lebanon cannot afford further
stagnation or continued domestic political crisis, harming the economy,
undermining the level of basic services and ultimately eroding the country's
stability and security.
The Special Coordinator underlined the importance of effective and urgent
decision-making by the Cabinet.
The Special Coordinator reaffirmed that the United Nations and the
international community remains strongly supportive of Lebanon’s stability and
all efforts to ensure strong, effective state institutions
to meet the needs of the Lebanese people.