Kaag Hails Security Forces 'Exceptional Job', Urges 'Compromise' President

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag on Friday lauded the anti-terror efforts of the army and the security forces in the wake of the latest attacks and arrests, as she urged politicians to reach a “compromise” over the stalled presidential vote.

“I met with the Prime Minister in anticipation of my visit to Washington and New York, where obviously the stability and security situations will be discussed, both with the American authorities but also with the Security Council,” said Kaag after talks with PM Tammam Salam at the Grand Serail.

“I believe this is a particularly difficult period for Lebanon, and I would of course like to offer and reiterate my condolences to the families of the victims of the terrorist attacks, but also hope for the quick recovery of those who were injured,” she added, referring to the unprecedented suicide bombings that rocked the border town of al-Qaa on Monday.

Five people were killed and 28 others were wounded in the blasts.

“It is also a moment where of course we need to be vigilant but also united. This was a theme that the Prime Minister and I reviewed, the importance of national unity, vigilance to secure and stabilize Lebanon in this very volatile and challenging period,” Kaag went on to say.

She added: “There are a number of areas of course where additional support is needed, I would say for the security apparatus and the Lebanese Armed Forces who are doing an exceptional job.”

“Very few countries could continue to provide this level of security against such threats, so nothing but high praise and respect for the entire security apparatus, but more support is needed,” Kaag noted.

She also pointed out that further means must be explored in order to “support Lebanon’s own coping mechanisms, the State, (and) avoid further erosion of the institutions of State.”

“That can be through economic financing, capacity support, but of course the political track is one that will ultimately provide the new impetus and level of stability and security to citizens to allow Lebanon to thrive and that is the election of a president... through appropriate compromise amongst all the parties,” Kaag added.

“It is a moment where we need to focus our hearts and minds on what can be done and what should be done to protect Lebanon and to engage in future conflict prevention,” the U.N. official went on to say.