Lebanon: news of Prime Minister's resignation

Lebanon: Amid news of Prime Minister's resignation, UN chief hopes all sides focus on support for State institutions

5 November 2017 – Concerned by the news that Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has offered to resign, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday expressed the hope that all sides will focus on supporting the continuity of Lebanon's State institutions.

A statement from Mr. Guterres' spokesman said the UN chief hopes that such broad support for State institutions would adhere to the constitution, and aim to safeguard the country's security and stability.

“The United Nations remains committed to supporting the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon,” the statement concludes.

News reports suggest that Mr. Hariri unexpectedly offered his resignation during a televised speech Saturday, saying his life was in danger.

The UN works on multiple fronts to assist Lebanon in forging a peaceful, stable and democratic future. The world body's efforts there include the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) – the Special Coordinator serves as the Secretary-General's representative to the Lebanese Government, all political parties and the diplomatic community based in the country and carries out good offices work on behalf of the UN chief to assist Lebanese parties to reach peaceful and consensus-based solutions to contentious issues.

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