UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visits the Port of Beirut to pay his respects to the victims of the Aug. 4, 2020, explosion there. (Credit: Anwar Amro/AFP)
BEIRUT – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a joint press conference with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri from Ain el-Tineh. “This is the time for [Lebanese] officials to overcome divisions and for the international community to strengthen its support for the Lebanese people,” he said.
Here’s what we know:
• Guterres noted that he had a constructive conversation with Berri and thinks the Lebanese are responsible for solving their crisis, but the international community must help them restructure their economy.
• He added that Berri told him about “the repeated violations of Lebanese airspace, and we discussed the need for the international community to provide additional support to the army.”
• Berri said that the two discussed maritime negotiations between Lebanon and Israel and confirmed that the negotiations will be under the auspices of the United Nations. “Stalling negotiations affect our economy,” he added.
• Guterres reiterated United Nations solidarity with the Lebanese people, noting that he had visited the Port of Beirut this morning. “I understand the suffering and people's determination to know the truth about the explosion,” he said.
• Also on Guterres’ agenda is a meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati this afternoon, as well as a private meeting with Lebanese women leaders.
• The UN secretary-general also met eminent religious leaders today, who confirmed their commitment to openness, tolerance and coexistence as the essence of Lebanon’s identity and stability, according to a press release from the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon.
• On Sunday Guterres met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and criticized Lebanese officials as paralyzing the country and called on the international community to “maintain and strengthen its support” in Lebanon.