UN special coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. (Credit: U.N.)
BEIRUT — United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met with religious and community leaders in Tripoli on Tuesday, to discuss the importance of "preserving Lebanon's tradition of peaceful coexistence," in the light of dramatic changes across the border in Syria.
According to a statement released by her office, Hennis-Plasschaert met with religious figures, security officials and MPs Ashraf Rifi, Elias Khoury and Jamil Abboud in the northern Lebanese city, which has, in the past, experienced tensions between sects and political parties reflective of events in Syria.
"Given recent developments in Lebanon, alongside seismic changes taking place in Syria, they discussed the importance of preserving Lebanon’s tradition of peaceful coexistence, which is key to the country’s stability," the statement reads.
On Dec. 8, Syrian rebels led by Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham ousted the Syrian regime days after launching a swift offensive. Located around 30 kilometers from the Lebanese-Syrian border, Tripoli has historically seen events in Syria impact its security.
According to the statement, Hennis-Plasschaert also highlighted in the meeting the "role of a functioning, effective and empowered [Lebanese] State that embraces and unites all its citizens."
"While acknowledging the impact of accumulating political, socioeconomic and security crises seen across the country, including Tripoli, the participants agreed that the time had come for Lebanon to turn towards a more sustainable future in which tolerance, openness and equal opportunities allow all people and communities to flourish," the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) added. According to the post-meeting statements, its participants noted that an "inclusive recovery process would also help to rebuild people’s trust."