Press Releases and Statements

When I arrived in Lebanon in February 2012 to take up my position as the Secretary-General’s Special Coordinator for Lebanon, the Arab world was already in the throes of extraordinary change. It was a period of hope and of trepidation. But few of us could have predicted that events would lead to the…

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to begin by thanking the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation and the Civil Center for National Initiative for convening this timely event commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Taif Agreement. I would also like to thank Speaker Husseini for his…

Beirut, Lebanon Tuesday, 21 October 2014 The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly today said that the United Nations will continue doing all it can to assist Lebanon in confronting the impact of the crisis in Syria, including by seeking additional international assistance to…

Good Morning. It was a great privilege and a pleasure for me today to meet with Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul-Latif Derian. I wanted to first congratulate him on his recent election and to wish him success in his responsibilities. I expressed my admiration for the voice of moderation and tolerance that…

I just had a good meeting with Prime Minister Salam. We discussed the security situation. I paid tribute to Lebanon’s security forces, particularly the army, for all the efforts and sacrifices they have made to safeguard the country in the face of grave challenges. I condemned the recent hostile…

UNHQ, New York Friday, 26 September 2014 Chairperson’s Summary of the Ministerial Meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon United Nations Headquarters, 26 September 2014 A Ministerial Meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon chaired by the United Nations Secretary-General…

Beirut, Lebanon 19 September 2014 Good Morning, I just had a good meeting with the Prime Minister. We discussed the preparations for the ministerial meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon that will be taking place next week in New York at the invitation of the United Nations…

I just had a good meeting with Prime Minister Tamam Salam. We discussed the security situation in the country, international efforts to support Lebanon and the latest political developments. I expressed the solidary of the United Nations with the Government, the security forces and the families of…

Beirut, Lebanon 29 August 2014 A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed today, between the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the World Food Programme (WFP) whereby both agencies will support cash for food assistance for Palestine…

I would like to thank Patriarch El-Rai for inviting me and my colleagues to Bkerke to meet with him and the other Christian Patriarchs of the East. The Patriarchs shared with us their concerns about recent developments, particularly relating to Christian communities in Iraq and in the region. I…