Middle East on knife-edge — UN coordinator

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (SCL) Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert cautioned that Lebanon, along with the wider region, remains on a knife-edge. "Yet a diplomatic way out is still possible," she said while briefing the UN Security Council, alongside UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, on Wednesday. The UNSC consultations followed publication of the latest report (S/2024/548) of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006). Rejecting the notion of an all-out conflict as inevitable, Hennis-Plasschaert noted that both Lebanon and Israel state that they do not seek war and expressed hope that a "Gaza deal" would lead to an immediate return to the cessation of hostilities across the Blue Line. The SCL echoed concerns, however, that a miscalculation by either side could easily ignite a conflagration that would engulf the entire region. She therefore urged no effort be spared to bring both sides back from the brink, while stressing implemen tation of resolution 1701 as the pathway towards long-term security. The SCL also touched upon the other pre-existing crises in Lebanon. She explained that, amid the ongoing presidential impasse, the erosion of the State, and diminishing capacity of its institutions, was a material fact on the ground. She lamented that Lebanese people are forced to survive on remittances or by juggling multiple jobs, and underlined the urgency of reviving progress on economic and financial reforms. Hennis-Plasschaert acknowledged the tremendous difficulties stemming from the prolonged presence of a significant refugee population on Lebanese territory, and underscored the importance of finding solutions collectively, while emphasizing that the solutions do not only lie in Lebanon. In closing, she highlighted that, while the challenges facing Lebanon are formidable, there are solutions provided that the requisite political will is forthcoming, as well as support from international partners and regional players. In this regar d, the Special Coordinator reaffirmed the UN's enduring support and assistance. Source: Kuwait News Agency