I just had a very good meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Mikati. We discussed the situation in the country and in particular in Tripoli.
I expressed my deep concern over the recurrence of violence in Tripoli and welcomed the efforts of the army and security forces, in parallel with political efforts and the efforts of the caretaker Prime Minister, to restore calm across the city.
Now, more than ever, and particularly in light of the developments in neighbouring Syria, it is important for all parties in Lebanon to exercise restraint and to act in Lebanon’s interests. In that regard, I reiterated the UN’s support for the calls voiced by President Sleiman and other Lebanese leaders for respect for the country’s State institutions; to protect Lebanon from the impact of the Syrian crisis through the dissociation policy and the Baabda Declaration; to forming an effective government and the resumption of the national dialogue.
I also discussed with Prime Minister Mikati the follow-up to the International Support Group meeting for Lebanon that was held in New York on 25 September and the next steps to support the government and the Lebanese Armed Forces and to assist Lebanon in meeting the needs of Syrian refugees on its territories and the Lebanese host communities.
QUESTION: Reports that Joint Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi will be visiting Lebanon tomorrow. What is your information in that regard?
SPECIAL COORDINATOR DEREK PLUMBLY: Mr. Brahimi is currently in Damascus and we wish him success in his discussions. We expect him to return to Lebanon in the coming days. His office will share details regarding his program and issues he would raise in Lebanon when available.
QUESTION: Reports on Possibility of Burying Syria’s Chemicals in Lebanon?
SPECIAL COORDINATOR DEREK PLUMBLY: I have seen the media reports in that regard. The UN is not aware of any such plans to destroy Syrian Chemical Weapons in Lebanon. The Government of the Syrian Arab Republic has recently submitted its destruction plan to the Director General of OPCW in the Hague, the Netherlands, in line with the recent EC decision of the Organisation'.