During his visit to Baabda Palace on Saturday morning, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, "We can establish a general framework to guarantee the protection of Lebanese territory and the peace process," emphasizing the importance of "the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the full deployment of the Lebanese Army."
He reiterated the international community's support for Lebanon's recovery and its reintegration on the global stage, noting that “strengthening institutions and restoring state authority across the country is possible.”
Guterres arrived in Lebanon on Thursday for a “solidarity visit,” which lasted until Saturday, following the election of President Joseph Aoun and the appointment of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
After meeting with President Aoun, he expressed his solidarity with the Lebanese people, who have endured significant hardships, and affirmed his support for both the president and the prime minister-designate. "The exceptional dynamism, extraordinary resilience and great courage of the Lebanese people will ensure that once the conflict is over, the reconstruction process will begin," he assured.
In his meeting with Guterres, President Aoun emphasized the need for Israeli forces to withdraw from the occupied territories in southern Lebanon within the timeframe set by the agreement on November 27.
“Israeli ground and air violations, including the destruction of border homes and villages, totally contradict the terms of the ceasefire agreement and constitute a continuing violation of Lebanese sovereignty and the will of the international community,” he added.
President Aoun also commended the resilience of UNIFIL members in the face of attacks on their centers, highlighting the full coordination between the UN mission and the Lebanese Army.
Guterres Visits Salam
Continuing his tour, Guterres also visited the residence of Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam. “I would like to express the full support of the United Nations for the process underway in Lebanon, which has resulted in the election of a new President and the appointment of a new Prime Minister,” said the UN Secretary-General.
He specifically welcomed the conclusion of the ceasefire agreement, stressing the need for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas in southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army across the country. “We are fully convinced that this development will represent an exceptional qualitative leap for Lebanon,” he noted.
For his part, Salam raised the issue of displaced Syrians in Lebanon. “Now that the situation in Syria has changed, we need to start working with the UN to prepare for the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees to Lebanon,” he said.
Guterres in Ain el-Tineh
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri took stock of the general situation and political developments during his meeting with António Guterres in Ain el-Tineh.
At the end of the meeting, Guterres declared, “Israel must commit to withdrawing from the Lebanese territories it occupies and cease its violations and systematic destruction of villages, fields, agricultural areas, and forests.” He also expressed confidence in the “formation of a government representing all components of Lebanese society.”
Berri also paid tribute to the UN Secretary-General and the UNIFIL forces, which play a crucial role in the monitoring committee overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
Guterres will hold a press conference at 5:30 pm at the Mövenpick Hotel.
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