DSG/SM/901
DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
PRESS RELEASE
Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson’s closing remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the ministerial meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon, in New York today:
Monsieur le Premier Ministre, excellences, mesdames et messieurs, au nom du Secrétaire général, je tiens à remercier toutes les délégations pour leur participation aujourd’hui. Deux ans après l’inauguration du Groupe, le niveau de représentation à cette réunion envoie un message clair: Celui de la volonté et de la détermination de la communauté internationale de ne pas relâcher l’effort de soutien au Liban et de rester vigilants sur les besoins et les défis auxquels le pays fait face. Près de cinq ans après le début de la crise syrienne, le conflit continue d’avoir un impact direct sur la stabilité et la sécurité du Liban.
Monsieur le Premier Ministre, nous saluons vos efforts pour préserver l’unité du Liban et assurer l’autorité de l’Etat. Il en va de l’intérêt national et donc de l’intérêt de toutes les communautés libanaises. Dans le context régional actuel, le Liban demeure un modèle de co-existence et de génerosité envers les populations réfugiées. Il est donc essentiel pour la communauté internationale de rester pleinement mobilisée pour aider concrètement le Liban à faire face aux crises multiples dans la région.
The detailed chair’s summary of today’s meeting is being made available publicly. It recalls the continuing importance of the commitment of all Lebanese parties to Lebanon’s policy of disassociation pursuant to the Baabda Declaration and highlights three priority concerns.
First, we express our deep concern at the prolonged vacancy in the Presidency of the Republic. The status quo impairs the ability of the State to address the multiple challenges facing the country, as well as to respond to the legitimate demands of Lebanese citizens. It also limits the amount and impact of international support to the country. We welcome initiatives launched to support dialogue between the parties and urge all Lebanese leaders to put Lebanon's stability and national interests ahead of partisan politics, and to act responsibly and flexibly to urgently elect a President.
Second, we highlight the ever more critical role played by the Lebanese Armed Forces and security forces in addressing the complex set of security challenges facing Lebanon resulting from the impact of the Syrian conflict, including the threat of extremist and terrorist groups.
This includes the deployment of new, better-equipped regiments along the Lebanon-Syria border and counter-terrorism operations, in extending the authority of the State and in working with UNIFIL [United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon] to help maintain calm along the Blue Line. While encouraged that significant international support to the Lebanese army has materialized, we note Lebanon’s outstanding and long-term security requirements and urge Member States to offer additional assistance where the Army and security forces are most critically in need on an expedited and coordinated basis.
Third, we acknowledge the extraordinary burden Lebanon continues to bear in hosting close to 1.2 million registered refugees from Syria, and the severe challenges this poses for Lebanese communities and public institutions and services. We encourage enhanced efforts by Member States for greater international burden-sharing, noting the importance of such steps for the common security interests of all stakeholders, as well as expedited assistance for refugees and vulnerable communities. We stress our intention to continue to promote greater international assistance to Lebanon in relation to the refugee situation and socioeconomic stabilization.
Finally, we emphasize that in order for international support to contribute to sustained stability, it must be paralleled by meaningful action by Lebanon’s leaders to resolve the political stalemate and to respond to citizens’ needs. We look forward to future meetings with different configurations and levels as needed.
In closing, let me, on a personal note, say that we, above all, look forward to the end of the disastrous conflict in Syria, the possibility of return for great numbers of refugees to their ravaged home country and the normalization of conditions of life and governance in Lebanon, a country, to which we should demonstrate solidarity and loyalty in this time of trial and crisis. Thank you.
For information media. Not an official record.