UN: Lebanon, Region Remain in Imminent Danger, Diplomatic Solution Still Possible

UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, affirmed that Lebanon and the entire region remain in imminent danger, stressing the need for comprehensive solutions to this issue. She added that the diplomatic solution to solve this crisis is still possible. Hennis-Plasschaert was addressing a closed consultation session of the United Nations Security Council, during which she and United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, briefed the council on the implementation of Resolution 1701. This resolution was adopted by the Council following the 2006 war between Lebanon and Israel. She also expressed hope that an agreement on Gaza could immediately return things to normal along the Blue Line, which serves as the demarcation between the two countries, expressing her fear that any misjudgment by either party could lead to a broader conflict affecting the entire region. Hennis-Plasschaert emphasized that she is making every effort to encourage both sides to de- escalate, stressing that Implementing Resolution 1701 is the only path to lasting security, she added. Hennis-Plasschaert also addressed other crises impacting Lebanon, including the weakening of the state and the decline in the capacity of its institutions. Source: Qatar News Agency