Williams Reminds Lebanese of Major Challenges
U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams has said Lebanon is making important steps towards a return to normalcy but warned that many challenges remain.
"We have recently seen Lebanon make important strides towards a return to normalcy since the Doha Accord in May, with the election of a president, the establishment of a national unity government and the revival of state institutions," Williams said in a statement on the occasion of U.N. day.
U.N. day marks the founding of the United Nations with the entry into force of the organization”s Charter on 24 October, 1945.
The U.N. strongly supports efforts towards reconciliation and the resumption of the national dialogue, Williams said Friday.
He warned, however, that the country is facing major challenges.
"The country is heading towards parliamentary elections next year that have to be organized and held in an atmosphere that will both build on your history but which will also take place in conditions of peace and security," he said.
"There are security concerns and socio-economic challenges that are weighing on the everyday lives of the Lebanese that have to be resolved," he added.
He said U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon has personally expressed his commitment to helping Lebanon resolve all its salient issues and implement Security Council Resolutions, including Resolution 1701.
"The United Nations does not and cannot work alone. We are here to serve Lebanon and our strong cooperation with the Lebanese authorities remains the backbone of the organization”s work," he said.
"Our work also depends on our partnerships that have been built with the segments of Lebanon”s civil society, which has played an important role in developing the diverse and vibrant society that makes Lebanon special in its own way," he added.