United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis met with the Press Editors Syndicate on Wednesday in order to discuss the United Nations stance on the current Lebanese financial and political crisis.
The UNSCOL has not shied away from expressing his discontent about the current situation, to say the least, further cementing his thoughts in telling the Syndicate: “Lebanon should first support itself if it wants to receive international economic and financial support.”
When asked about the conditions under which the United Nations will give its “support” to Lebanon, Kubis responded simply with: “Reforms, reforms, reforms.”
Kubis made reference to the electricity sector among other corrupt and inefficient sectors, insisting that any serious reforms must entail a clear plan and specific timeframes.
His more comprehensive statement read: “If Lebanon does not support itself, it should not expect support from the international community […].”
“To be able to do our work in Lebanon and for the Lebanese, we need a partner, we need a government, that is managing the country on behalf of the people of the country.”
“But, hopefully, and this is what we have been urging, in line with the aspirations and vision expressed by the people of the country. In Lebanon’s case, those who are protesting but also those who share a number of concerns but are not in the street.”
“Listen to the voice of the people. This has been the message of the UN since the start of the 17 October uprising,” he insisted.
Kubis stated that he hopes the new Ministerial Program of the Government will reflect an intent “to listen and take into account the critical needs and demands of the people.”
He further hoped it will promote and provide a clear roadmap with benchmarks necessary for action and accountability.
Kubis was also quoted saying that he hopes the new government “will provide the UN the opportunity to support reforms, starting with addressing the economic, financial, fiscal, and social crises that the country is facing.”
