United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today urged Lebanese leaders to prioritize the people and implement reforms to save the country from a financial recession and its worst social crisis in 30 years.
Guterres met with President Michel Aoun at the start of a four-day visit, during which he will have discussions with politicians, civil leaders, and humanitarian workers on how the international organization can help Lebanon overcome its mounting problems.
In a video message before the visit, he stated, "Leaders should put people first and carry out the necessary reforms to get Lebanon back on track, which includes efforts to enhance accountability and transparency and eradicate corruption." Guterres reiterated this message upon his arrival.
In a sectarian-divided country, successive governments composed of all major parties in Lebanon have repeatedly failed to implement the necessary reforms to rectify public finances.
Foreign donors have long pressured politicians to undertake the promised reforms, which have not been implemented due to private interests. Donors assert that these commitments are a condition for releasing funds.
UN agencies have warned of a severe decline in living conditions. Guterres expressed deep concern about the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens in Lebanon.
He also echoed calls from many Lebanese activists and politicians for accountability from those responsible for the massive chemical explosion at the Beirut port last year, which claimed the lives of 200 people and caused billions of dollars in damage.
He said, "I know that the Lebanese people want answers, and I hear your demand for truth and justice."
