UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says that it is time for Lebanon’s authorities to listen to and react to the concerns of their people.
On Tuesday, Guterres stated at a press conference in Beirut that he was “gravely worried” about the effect of the economic and financial crisis on Lebanon, which he claimed was producing an ever-increasing need for humanitarian assistance.
Lebanese political leaders should adopt changes that respond to the needs of Lebanese citizens for more welfare, accountability, protection and transparency to restore hope for a brighter future.”
Lebanon’s currency has lost more than 90 percent of its value, and three-quarters of the population has slipped into poverty since the beginning of 2019. Humanitarian help is needed by hundreds of thousands of people.
On Sunday afternoon, UN Secretary-General Guterres arrived in Beirut for a “solidarity” visit that will finish on Tuesday.
Guterres held meetings with President Michel Aoun; Prime Minister Najib Mikati; and Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri to address a broad variety of problems ranging from the economic crisis to the Syrian refugee situation.
International funding for social protection programs action against Israeli breaches of Lebanese airspace and borders, and assistance in facilitating Syrian refugee returns have been requested by Lebanese politicians.
