“This has paved the way for a new era of institutional stability, a state that can fully protect its people, and a system that will unleash the immense potential of the Lebanese people,” Guterres told reporters in Beirut.
The United Nations Secretary-General met with newly elected President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam and noted an atmosphere of hope despite the great challenges ahead.
“Big challenges lie ahead.”
The Secretary-General recalled Friday’s visit to southern Lebanon, where a fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces across the Blue Separation Line largely holds.
Mr. Guterres has witnessed first-hand the dramatic human impact and destruction caused by recent conflicts. Refugees returning to southern Lebanon, Beirut and the Bekaa Valley found their homes in ruins.
“The reconstruction needs are great, but they are not insurmountable,” he said, adding that the United Nations would step up support for recovery and reconstruction together with the Lebanese authorities and partners.
He also expressed hope that Israelis affected by the conflict would soon resume normal life.
“A fragile ceasefire remains in place.”
The Secretary-General called on both parties and countries of influence to ensure that commitments under the ceasefire are realized and that the agreement is used to address outstanding issues.
He pointed to the gradual withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces and the increasing deployment of Lebanese forces south of the Litani River. But he expressed concern about the continued destruction and deadly airstrikes in southern Lebanon.
Mr. Guterres announced the simultaneous deployment of the Lebanese Army across southern Lebanon to ensure lasting peace, in line with the unanimously adopted United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 that ended the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He stressed that it is essential to withdraw the IDF from Lebanese territory as the situation unfolds.
Regional background
“Finally, the situation in the region is rapidly evolving, with a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and an agreement on the release of hostages, as well as developments in neighboring Syria,” the Secretary-General said, praising the longstanding solidarity of the Lebanese government and people. It hosts large numbers of Syrian and Palestinian refugees.
“What the world needs to show the Lebanese people is that spirit of unity.”
The UN Secretary-General concluded that the road ahead is full of promise but also great challenges, including the need for reform and greater accountability. Make the most of this opportunity. ”
A new chapter of peace
The Secretary-General said that in an earlier meeting with President Aoun, he expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people and “full support for the president and his future government.”
He also said that it would be possible to integrate Lebanese institutions and create conditions for the Lebanese state to fully protect its people.
“And the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the presence of the Lebanese army throughout Lebanese territory will make it possible to do so and open a new chapter of peace,” Guterres added.
on the front lines of peace
The Secretary-General began his journey in Nakoura on Friday with a visit to UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, to thank UN peacekeepers for their courage and determination in operating in extremely difficult conditions. expressed.
While there, the Secretary-General visited several UNIFIL sites that were attacked by Israeli forces last year.
Go here to read a summary of the mission’s long history and role in peacekeeping.
In remarks to the assembled UN mission leadership on Friday, Guterres said they are not only on the blue line in Lebanon, but on the front lines of peace, and UNIFIL’s mission is among the most difficult for peacekeepers. He said that it was a comfortable environment.
