UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, Dec. 21, 2021. Guterres said on Tuesday that the United Nations has prepared a number of initiatives including hosting a conference for a strong mobilization of the international community to support Lebanon. Guterres' remarks came during a press conference in Beirut to wrap up his visit to Lebanon, where he discussed with leaders and officials ways of supporting Lebanon in the coming period. (Photos: Xinhua)
BEIRUT, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday that the United Nations has prepared a number of initiatives including hosting a conference for a strong mobilization of the international community to support Lebanon.
Guterres' remarks came during a press conference in Beirut to wrap up his four-day visit to Lebanon, where he discussed with leaders and officials ways of supporting Lebanon in the coming period.
He emphasized the need for more support by the international community on condition that Lebanon implements necessary reforms.
"We are facing a very dramatic situation. It is so important to reach a deal with the IMF (the International Monetary Fund) and establish a credible plan able to mobilize the support of the international community. This requires a political will," Guterres said.
The UN chief revealed that he has received guarantees from Lebanese officials that the parliamentary elections will be held on time next year, noting the United Nations will be ready to offer its technical support to guarantee independent, impartial and transparent elections.
Guterres arrived in Lebanon on Sunday and met during the stay with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Najib Mikati and House Speaker Nabih Berri.
He also laid a wreath at a memorial for the August 2020 Beirut port explosion and paid a visit to the headquarters of UN Interim Force in Lebanon to follow up on its mission in southern Lebanon. Enditem
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrives at a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, Dec. 21, 2021. Guterres said on Tuesday that the United Nations has prepared a number of initiatives including hosting a conference for a strong mobilization of the international community to support Lebanon. Guterres' remarks came during a press conference in Beirut to wrap up his visit to Lebanon, where he discussed with leaders and officials ways of supporting Lebanon in the coming period.
