United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson concluded this morning a four-day visit to Lebanon where he participated in the 17th meeting of the UN Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM) hosted by ESCWA on 10 December 2012 at the UN House, Riad El-Solh Square, Beirut. During his visit, Eliasson met with senior officials and political figures in the country, and made a field visit to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and its area of operations, as well as to two local centres hosting Syrian refugees.

The RCM discussed how best to undertake the sustainable development efforts in the post-2015 agenda and the follow-up to Rio+20. The meeting’s key recommendations confirmed enhancing coordination between the United Nations and League of Arab States (LAS).

In his bilateral meetings with the Lebanese Head of State, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Prime Minister and other senior political personalities, Eliasson discussed the on-going Syrian crisis and its impact on Lebanon; political and security tensions in the country; as well as the situation of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and how the UN could support the Lebanese government best in this regard.

During his talks, the UN senior official relayed to the Lebanese leadership the UN’s solid commitment to the stability and security of Lebanon. In this context, he noted that Lebanon’s efforts to preserve internal stability and dialogue, as well as Lebanon’s disassociation policy were much appreciated. Expressing his sadness at the loss of life in recent tensions in parts of the country, he praised the progress that has been made in Lebanon to ensure sustained stability and prosperity, whilst cautioning against a return to instability and violence.

During his trip to UNIFIL, Eliasson welcomed the continued successful engagement between UNIFIL and Lebanese Armed Forces intended to ensure peace and security, and protect the territorial integrity of the country.

The UN Deputy Secretary General also met with Syrian refugees at the Amel Community Centre in Haret Hreik, Beirut, and in the Caritas Centre in Ghazieh where refugees are being registered. During these visits, he witnessed the challenges facing Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the work being undertaken in this regard by the UN, the Lebanese authorities and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to deliver much needed assistance. He pledged continued UN support, underscoring the need for the international community to further support these efforts. He also hoped that the appeal, which the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will launch on 19 December 2012, would raise funds allowing for continued and accelerated support to Syrian refugees in Lebanon.