U.N. Chief Addresses 'People of Lebanon' on Eve of Visit

U.N. chief Antonio Guterres has addressed a video message to the "people of Lebanon" on the eve of his visit to the country which will begin on Sunday.

Below is the full transcript of the message as received from the U.N.:

"I am coming to Lebanon with one simple message: the United Nations stands with the people of Lebanon.

From our political teams and peacekeepers to our humanitarian aid workers and development professionals, the entire UN family is focused on supporting Lebanon and its people.

During my visit, I will meet different Lebanese leaders and representatives to discuss how we can best support you to overcome the crisis and promote peace, stability, justice, development and human rights.

I hope to have the chance to talk with, and listen to, people from all backgrounds and communities.

Lasting solutions can only come from inside Lebanon. It is essential for leaders to put the people first, and implement the reforms needed to set Lebanon back on track, including efforts to promote accountability and transparency, and root out corruption.

Next year’s elections will be key. Lebanon’s people must be fully engaged in choosing how your country moves forward. Women and young people must have every opportunity to play their full part.

This is the only way Lebanon will lay the foundations for a better future.

The United Nations will support Lebanon on every step of this journey.

Thank you, shukran, and I look forward to spending time in the Land of the Cedars."

*****

Video link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+PEOPLE+OF+LEBANON/MSG+SG+LEBANON+CLEAN.mp4