Miqati Meets Ban in Brazil, Says Govt. Striving to Preserve Stability

Prime Minister Najib Miqati met Wednesday in Brazil with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon who, according to a statement issued by Miqati’s office, voiced his support for the government in maintaining stability and praised its efforts to help the Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

During the talks, Miqati said that the “regional situation is critical and the government is making every effort to consolidate stability and prevent tensions in Lebanon,” pointing out that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) contributes to maintaining security in the country.

The U.N. chief and Miqati met in Brazil, in the framework of Lebanon’s participation in the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, where they discussed the regional developments and the cabinet’s policy in dealing with the Syrian issue.

According to a statement issued by Miqati’s office, Ban expressed his support for the cabinet in its efforts to maintain stability in Lebanon, praising the assistance given to displaced Syrians in Lebanon since the beginning of the Syrian crisis.

Answering a question, Miqati quoted President Michel Suleiman as saying that “stability is impossible without development and security. Our region is witnessing a critical stage and we strive to promote stability in Lebanon.”