UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag visited today the border towns of Arsal and Labweh in north-eastern Lebanon. Ms Kaag visited army positions in the outskirts of Arsal and met with Brigadier General Sami Hoayek and other representatives of the Lebanese army.

The Special Coordinator commended the army in their efforts and enduring commitment to safeguard Lebanon's security and stability. Recalling the Secretary-General's statement on 13 September, Ms Kaag stressed "Reinforcing Lebanese national institutions and its army is key issues and the best preventive measure we can have in relation to the risk of conflict". She said the UN would continue encouraging international support to the Lebanese army and security institutions, including through the International Support Group for Lebanon.

The Special Coordinator also met with the head of Arsal municipality, Mr. Bassel Hujairi to discuss the development needs of Arsal. Ms. Kaag praised the generosity of heart and spirit of the citizens of Arsal towards the Syrian refugees

Source: AFP