Press Releases and Statements

Beirut, Lebanon Tuesday, 27 May 2013 I just had a good meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on developments in Lebanon and in the region. We discussed issues related to security and stability in Lebanon. I expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Lebanese army, the security…

I just had a good meeting with caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel. We discussed the situation in Lebanon. I would like to raise two issues. First, the continued fighting in Tripoli… I extended condolences to the commander of the army yesterday on the death of two soldiers in the fighting and…

Beirut, Lebanon Saturday, 17 May 2013 We had a good meeting with Speaker Berri. Both the EU and the UN have consistently underlined the importance of the electoral process in Lebanon and have worked substantively to support it in a variety of ways since 2005. During our meeting, we expressed…

Ladies and gentlemen, It is a great honor to be invited to speak alongside General Kahwaji and General Shehaitly at this event. I think our collective attendance here is as strong a demonstration as one could wish of the international community’s deep and continuing interest in supporting Lebanon’s…

Beirut, Lebanon Wednesday, 15 May 2013 United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly today attended a meeting to launch a five-year assistance plan for the Lebanese Armed Forces organized by the Lebanese Army Command (LAF). The plan, authorized by the Lebanese Government in September…

I just had a useful meeting with MP Mohammad Raad. I earlier had the honor of a meeting with H.E. the President of the Republic Gen. Michel Sleiman and subsequently met caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati with representatives of the permanent members of the Security Council at a meeting he had…

I just had a very good meeting with Speaker Berri, as I did earlier this morning with former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. Both of these meetings addressed a range of issues including the ongoing conflict in Syria and its impact on Lebanon, in particular with regard to refugees. We also discussed…

Good morning, I am very pleased to be here today. This is not my first visit to south Lebanon but my first to Shebaa and I am very grateful for the welcome that I have received. As the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, I have visited many parts of Lebanon from Akkar in north…

I just had a very good meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. As you would expect, our discussions touched on ongoing efforts with regard to the formation of a new government and agreement on a new electoral law. Obviously, we hope that both will be brought to an early and successful…

I was honoured to meet with His Beatitude the Patriarch, Cardinal Bechara Boutros El-Rai today. It was our first meeting since the Christmas holiday and I wished him, as I wish all the Lebanese people, a new year of peace and stability – indeed of “Partnership and Love” as called for by the…