UN Secretary-General António Guterres is scheduled to visit Lebanon on Sunday. (Credit: Angela Weiss/AFP)
BEIRUT — UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message ahead of a trip to Lebanon scheduled to start Sunday that his organization stands with the people of the crisis-hit country.
Here’s what we know:
• “I am coming to Lebanon with one simple message, the United Nations stands with the people of Lebanon,” Guterres said in the video, posted Friday night on his Twitter account.
• The UN chief explained that he would meet with “different Lebanese leaders and representatives to discuss how we can best support you to overcome the crisis and promote peace, stability, justice, development and human rights.”
• “It is essential for leaders to put the people first, and implement the reforms needed to set Lebanon back on track, including efforts to promote accountability and transparency, and root out corruption,” he added.
• The UN secretary-general also said that he believes the upcoming 2022 parliamentary elections would be key for “a better future” in the country.
• “I hope to have the chance to talk with, and listen to, people from all backgrounds and communities,” Guterres added.