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 I take this opportunity to extend my condolences to the families of all the victims who have been killed in Tripoli. This tragic fighting, for which there is no excuse, must stop for the sake of Lebanon as soon as possible, and support extended to the army and the security forces in controlling the situation there. I urge all political leaders and all those with influence – I know that the caretaker Prime Minister was in Tripoli yesterday -- but it is incumbent upon all to do everything they can to enable the army and the security forces to control the situation and restore peace and normality in the city.
Secondly, the issue of elections… I raise this issue because the United Nations is involved in providing technical support to the Ministry of Interior in the preparations for the elections. I again encourage all Lebanon’s leaders to ensure the continuity of institutions and the conduct of elections in accordance with international standards.
Question: Do you support the conduct of elections based on the 1960 law?
Special Coordinator Derek Plumbly: It is important that preparations for elections are being made here today. There are discussions in Parliament. We hope they are successful.
***
PDF:English Version, Arabic Version