The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants instructed Lebanon's permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, on Friday, after consultations with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, to "abstain from voting on the resolution regarding missing persons in Syria presented to the UN General Assembly, in line with the near Arab consensus to abstain from voting, and out of a desire not to politicize this exceptionally humanitarian issue, as well as in accordance with the policy of not getting dragged into a divisive vote that exacerbates problems and does not resolve the issue of Lebanese missing persons, which is a bleeding wound and a lasting pain for their families."
The ministry pointed out in a statement that "Lebanon is committed to resolving this issue and the issue of Syrian refugees through dialogue and understanding between Lebanon and Syria, and the concerned Arab and international parties, noting that had Lebanon voted in favor of the resolution, it would have undermined the work of the Arab ministerial committee, in which Lebanon participates, that seeks to solve problems with Syria."
It added: "Lebanon also reaffirms its respect for and commitment to implementing all legitimate international resolutions that are currently enforced, as well as the many resolutions that have not yet been implemented, as they all constitute a protective umbrella for regional and international peace and security."
