“A window has opened for a new era of institutional stability, a country fully capable of protecting its citizens and a system that will support the Lebanese people,” Antonio Guterres told a news conference in the capital Beirut on Saturday. The possibility of human development.”
The UN chief met with President-elect Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, noting an atmosphere of optimism despite significant challenges ahead.
‘Big Challenges Ahead’
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday described his visit to southern Lebanon, where a fragile ceasefire exists between Hezbollah and Israeli forces along the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel.
Antonio Guterres has witnessed first-hand the massive humanitarian impact and destruction caused by recent wars. Displaced residents returning to southern Lebanon, Beirut and the Bekaa Valley found their homes in ruins.
“The restructuring needs are enormous. But they are not insurmountable,” he said.
He said the United Nations, together with the Lebanese authorities and partners, will extend its assistance to recovery and reconstruction.
Antonio Guterres also expressed hope that the war-torn Israeli people would soon resume their daily lives.
‘Fragile ceasefire remains in place’
The UN Secretary-General called on both parties and influential individuals and parties to fulfill their commitments under the ceasefire and use the agreement to resolve outstanding issues.
He noted the gradual withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces and the increased deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces south of the Litani River. But he expressed concern over the continued destruction and deadly airstrikes in southern Lebanon.
Antonio Guterres called for the mandatory withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory as well as the simultaneous deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon to ensure lasting peace in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The resolution, adopted unanimously by the Security Council, ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006.
…to be continued…