Beirut, Lebanon
Wednesday, 19 October 2016

The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Ms. Sigrid Kaag, visited today El-Qaa and Hermel.  

During the visit, the Special Coordinator was briefed by local representatives on the socio-economic situation and the security conditions of the area.  Ms. Kaag reiterated her condemnation of the suicide bombings that struck El-Qaa in June 2016, and commended the local residents for their measured response to the attacks: "Conflict prevention starts with citizens, through their unity and commitment to the authority of the State. Border areas, such as El-Qaa and Hermel, are also in need of continuous support for their socio-economic development in order to thrive and strengthen their resilience", Ms. Kaag said. 

During her visit to the border area, Ms. Kaag also met with representatives of the Lebanese Army in Labweh. The Special Coordinator underlined the need for additional international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and security forces.

The Special Coordinator concluded her mission with a visit to a local dairy product cooperative, supported by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Zahleh.