Good Morning, First of all, I would like to begin by saying that I extended my condolences to caretaker Prime Minister Mikati on the terrorist attack in Bir Hassan this morning.
Obviously, details are still coming in so I can’t speak to the details but I would like to underline here our condemnation, the condemnation of the United Nations, of this terrorist attack, to extend our sympathies and condolences to all those who have been affected by it and to underline our support to the authorities as they seek to deal with the situation and finally, to emphasize the need for restraint as the authorities try to find those who are responsible for this criminal act and to bring them and those behind it to justice. This appalling attack underlines yet again the importance of all parties in Lebanon and of the international community, the friends of Lebanon, coming together in support of security and stability here.
I had been going to discuss with the Prime Minister our plans for assistance to Lebanon in addressing the various effects of the Syrian crisis which will be a main focus of my meetings in New York when I will be there in the coming days for the Security Council briefing. We did discuss the unfolding humanitarian situation in Arsal, and the needs of the thousands of Syrian refugees who have arrived there in the past few days. Cooperation between the authorities, the Ministry of Social Affairs and the United Nations in addressing this challenge has been particularly close. Contingency plans have been put into effect, and the Humanitarian Coordinator and the head of UNHCR in Lebanon are in Arsal today to see how things are going. The Lebanese authorities deserve great credit, and I said this to the Prime Minister, for their response to date, and we will work closely with them to ensure that the necessary assistance is available for the refugees and for the people hosting them.
Thank you very much.