Kaag to Travel to Saudi Arabia, Iran to Discuss Lebanon Crises
The United Nations Security Council is expected to issue a new statement to confirm its unanimity to safeguard Lebanon and its stability in face of the growing terrorist threats as U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag is set to head to Saudi Arabia and Iran to reach a breakthrough on the presidential stalemate.
According to An Nahar newspaper published on Thursday, U.N. Assistant-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet and Kaag briefed the Security Council's five permanent members -- the United States, China, Russia, Britain and France – during a closed meeting on U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon's report on the implementation of resolution 1701.
France's Ambassador to the U.N. François Delattre considered the discussions “fruitful and detailed.”
Delattre said that the Security Council members expressed readiness to continue their countries' staunch support to Lebanon to combat the increasing challenges, including the spread of terrorism.
They also stressed the importance of electing a new head of state as soon as possible to enable the state to deal with the social, economic and security challenges.
MPs failed for the 20th time last week to elect a new head of state over lack of quorum. President Michel Suleiman's term ended in May without the election of a successor.
Hizbullah and Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun's Change and Reform bloc have been boycotting electoral sessions due to a disagreement with the March 14 camp over a compromise presidential candidate.
Delattre said that his country proposed a presidential statement by the Security Council to underline the situation in Lebanon, voicing the unanimity of the permanent members in order to convince the political rivals in Lebanon to unite.
For her part, Kaag described the meeting as “comprehensive and essential,” noting that discussions focused on the importance of electing a new head of state.
She expressed solidarity with the Lebanese army, in particular along the country's eastern border where the military is frequently clashing with Islamist militants to prevent them from advancing into the country.
Kaag also lauded the efforts exerted by Prime Minister Tammam Salam to safeguard the country.
“The unity of the Security Council is of utmost necessity and linked to efforts to isolate Lebanon from the repercussions of the Syrian turmoil.”
The U.N. official said that she discussed with several officials and Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi the possibility of increasing support to Lebanon.
“I look forward to visit Saudi Arabia and Iran soon to continue the discussions,” Kaag remarked to An Nahar.
H.K.
G.K.
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