I just had a very good meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. We discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the region.
I briefed Speaker Berri on the inaugural meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG) in New York, which was a strong indicator of the international commitment to supporting Lebanon during this difficult period. I told Speaker Berri this will be a continuous process and that group members looked forward to its expansion in due course. It is aimed at helping Lebanon face the challenges to its economy and state institutions resulting mainly from the Syrian crisis. It was also agreed at the meeting that safeguarding Lebanon's security and stability can best be undertaken by strengthening state institutions. In that regard, I expressed the hope that efforts to form a new government capable of facing all these challenges would make progress soon. I also welcomed the efforts of Speaker Berri in encouraging dialogue among all sides in Lebanon.
Earlier today I met also with caretaker Minister of Interior Marwan Charbel to discuss security developments in Lebanon. I would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome the diligent efforts of Lebanon's security forces in tackling recent security incidents, notably the recent measures introduced in Beirut’s southern suburbs and in other areas to keep Lebanon safe.
QUESTION: Mr. Plumbly, today the President of the World Bank said in a statement that the number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon was catastrophic for Lebanon. You were at the meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon, what will you do in that regard in the sense that the statement of the President of the World Bank that the situation is catastrophic came after that meeting. How will you resolve this catastrophic issue for Lebanon?
Special Coordinator Derek Plumbly: He was describing the extent of the problem. This meeting in New York encouraged the international community as a whole to share in carrying this burden, particularly -- with regard to the World Bank -- when it comes to the negative impact on the Lebanese budget and on Lebanese institutions who are helping the refugees and on state funds. The World Bank will be holding its annual meeting in Washington next week. There Lebanon, donor countries and the Bank will be able to hold initial discussions on possible responses by the Lebanese Government in the first place, and then by donor countries and international organizations, to the assessment of the impact of the crisis presented to the New York meeting, and what projects and programmes might be undertaken to help all concerned to share the burden. That, I believe, was the background to the comments made by the President of the World Bank. However, there is no doubt that this is a very big challenge indeed. Thank you.