Plumbly Meets Charbel: Attempt on Geagea’s Life Underlines Need for Vigilance

U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly expressed on Thursday concern about the “reported” assassination attempt against Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea.

He said after holding talks with Interior Minister Marwan Charbel: “The incident underlines the need for vigilance.”

“It is important that the investigation now takes its course and that all sides in Lebanon continue to exert every effort to ensure that the situation remains secure and stable,” he stressed.

“In that context, I would like to take this opportunity to salute the Lebanese security forces for all that they have been doing to date to protect Lebanon and ensure public safety, at a time of great regional turbulence,” he continued.

The meeting between the two officials also addressed the 2013 parliamentary elections.

Plumbly said that a needs assessment mission from the United Nations visited Lebanon in March to discuss what assistance the U.N. might provide to support the process.

“Clearly it is important that preparations move ahead in good time and I know that the minister is working hard to this end,” he stated.

Earlier on Thursday, the U.N. official had held talks with Minister of Social Affairs Wael Abu Faour on issues related to the Syrian displaced people who have taken refuge in Lebanon.

According to the U.N. High Commission for Refugees, there are over 8,500 Syrian displaced registered in northern Lebanon at present and approximately 6000 more are receiving support in the Bekaa, he said.

The cooperation between the U.N., led by the UNHCR, and the Lebanese authorities under the auspices of the High Relief Council in providing assistance to the displaced, continues to work well and I was able to thank the minister for his support, said Plumbly.

On Wednesday, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea was the victim of an assassination attempt by snipers as he was taking a walk on the grounds of his Maarab residence.