STATEMENT OF UN SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR LEBANON JAN KUBIS FOLLOWING MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER HASSAN DIAB

24 Jan 2020

The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis and his Deputy, the Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator Philippe Lazzarini, were received today by His Excellency Prime Minister Hassan Diab and handed over a copy of the statement of the UN SG Antonio Guterres welcoming the announcement of the formation of a new government, the recent statements of the International Support Group, and selected UN SC resolutions.

After the meeting, the Special Coordinator noted that he had heard from the PM strong, positive messages and seriousness, including the aspiration that the ministerial statement will reflect the demands and needs of the people, in order to restore the confidence of the people in the state, or the commitment to supporting and protecting peaceful protests while acting against those that use violence, break law and order. The Special Coordinator noted that "the government needs to implement a meaningful reform package, to break with the corrupt practices of the past, to promote justice, transparency, and accountability." Only following such approach would make it possible to gain confidence of the people, that is currently wanting. It is important to give the government a chance. He further observed that "if the government's actions are attuned to the thinking, the demands and the aspirations of the people, that would be helpful, also to mobilize international support."

Mr. Kubis brought to the attention of PM Diab the recent International Support Group statements and U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and related UNSC resolutions as reflective of the expectations of the international community for Lebanon, such as implementing a tangible policy of disassociation or ensuring that there will be no weapons or authority in Lebanon other than those of Lebanese state.

In the context of discussing the Prime Minister's agenda and priorities, the Special Coordinator and his Deputy highlighted availability of U.N. expertise in diverse areas, like humanitarian and development, including good governance, combating corruption, or elections.

The Special Coordinator reaffirmed the U.N.'s support to the government in the implementation of the necessary reforms and its commitment to the stability, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Lebanon.

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT GROUP FOR LEBANON

Beirut, 23 January 2020 

Following the announcement of the formation of the new government, the International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG) urges the new Government to swiftly adopt a ministerial statement with the necessary substantial, credible and comprehensive policy package of measures and reforms that can address the demands of the Lebanese people.  Their timely and decisive implementation will be essential to stopping and reversing the deepening crises facing the country and its citizens. 

Recalling the ISG statement of 11 December 2019 which laid out a way forward on immediate and longer-term reforms in line with Lebanon's prior commitments, the ISG encourages the new Government to move forward with such reforms that are needed in order to halt the deteriorating economic situation, restore fiscal balance and financial stability and address long-standing structural deficiencies in the Lebanese economy.  Lebanon's economy and its population, in the absence of reform, remain reliant on external funding and are vulnerable to increased hardships.

The ISG encourages the Lebanese authorities to take the necessary decisive actions to restore stability and sustainability of the funding model of the financial sector, including by immediately adopting a reliable 2020 budget, implementing the electricity reform plan, reforming state-owned enterprises and passing and implementing effective procurement laws. 

In response to the demands of the Lebanese people and the needs to restore investor confidence in the economy, the authorities are further urged to tackle corruption and tax evasion, including through adoption and implementation of its anti-corruption national strategy, the anti-corruption agency law, judicial independence reform and other measures to instill transparency, accountability and strengthen good governance.

The ISG reaffirms the need for internal stability and the right to peaceful protest to be protected.

The ISG reiterates its strong support for Lebanon and its people, for its stability, security, territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence in accordance with Security Council resolutions 1701 (2006), 1680 (2006), 1559 (2004), 2433 (2018), 2485 (2019) as well as other relevant Security Council resolutions and statements of the President of the Security Council on the situation in Lebanon.

The ISG calls upon all Lebanese parties to implement a tangible policy of disassociation from any external conflicts, as an important priority, as spelled out in previous declarations, in particular the 2012 Baabda Declaration.  They recall the importance of implementing relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and previous commitments which require the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon so that there will be no weapons or authority in Lebanon other than those of the Lebanese State. The ISG recalls that the Lebanese Armed Forces are the only legitimate armed forces of Lebanon, as enshrined in the Lebanese constitution and in the Taif Agreement.

The ISG reaffirms its willingness to support a Lebanon committed to reforms in the implementation of a comprehensive set of actions.  The above measures once implemented will start to rebuild confidence in the economy among the Lebanese and the international community and help facilitate sustained international support. 

The ISG calls on the international community, including international organizations, to ensure continued support for Lebanon in addressing the security, economic, and humanitarian challenges facing the country.

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the formation of new Government in Lebanon

21 January 2020

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of the formation of a new Government of Lebanon today. He looks forward to working with Prime Minister Hassan Diab and the incoming Council of Ministers, including in support of Lebanon's reform agenda and to address the pressing needs of its people.

 

The Secretary-General reiterates the United Nations commitment to support Lebanon's strengthening of its sovereignty, stability and political independence in accordance with the Taif Accord and Baabda declaration, and its effective implementation of Security Council resolutions 1701 (2006), 1559 (2004) and other relevant resolutions which remain essential to the stability of Lebanon and the region.