Jan Kubis, United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, speaks to journalists following the Security Council consultations, at the UN headquarters in New York, July 22, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
"There are immediate humanitarian needs that need to be addressed and necessary reforms that need to be undertaken without any delay to restore the trust of the Lebanese people, and of the international community in Lebanon," Kubis is quoted as saying.
UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- UN special coordinator for Lebanon, Jan Kubis, on Tuesday called for the early formation of a Lebanese government following the resignation of Prime Minister Hassan Diab and his Cabinet.
Kubis, who briefed the Security Council in a closed session on Tuesday, emphasized the importance of avoiding a prolonged period of governmental vacuum. He urged the rapid formation of a new government that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people and enjoys their support, a government that can address the urgent and many challenges facing the country, break with the corrupt practices of the past, said his office in a press release after the briefing.
A protester throws back a tear gas canister during clashes with Lebanese security members in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, Aug. 10, 2020. Beirut was rocked last week by two huge explosions that have claimed at least 158 lives and injured 6,000 others. Thousands took to streets in downtown Beirut to demand the overhaul of the political system. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)
"There are immediate humanitarian needs that need to be addressed and necessary reforms that need to be undertaken without any delay to restore the trust of the Lebanese people, and of the international community in Lebanon," Kubis was quoted as saying.
The Lebanese government resigned on Monday amid protests following the Aug. 4 massive explosion in the port of Beirut. The government was accused of mishandling more than 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate that caused the explosion.
Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab (R) presents resignation to Lebanese President Michel Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Aug. 10, 2020. Hassan Diab on Monday announced the resignation of his government, after deadly explosions in capital Beirut that have triggered anti-government protests. (Dalati & Nohra/Handout via Xinhua)
Members of the Security Council reiterated their solidarity, strong support through urgent humanitarian assistance and commitment of the international community to Lebanon and its people. They highlighted a strong coordinating role of the United Nations, according to the press release.
The council members expressed their sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery of the injured, including UN staff and peacekeepers, it said.
Protesters take part in demonstrations in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, on Aug. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)
UN Undersecretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who also briefed the Security Council, said the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, continues to work in close coordination with the Lebanese armed forces. It stands ready to assist the Lebanese forces and the Lebanese people, according to Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. ■
