The Acting United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Pernille Kardel visited today the areas of Ras Baalbek and Arsal along Lebanon’s north-eastern borders. Ms. Kardel met with representatives of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and toured the border area. She also met with the local authorities in Arsal.
“Today I saw first-hand how the Lebanese army’s presence and efforts in Ras Baalbek and Arsal, including the outskirts, has succeeded in extending state authority in the area and consolidating its security and stability, and in reassuring the residents of those border areas on safety concerns,” the Acting Special Coordinator said. She praised the army’s efforts in carrying out its various tasks, including border protection, surveillance and demining, in a difficult environment.
The Special Coordinator underlined the importance of improving the socio-economic situation in border areas. “Long-term peace and security can only be achieved when coupled with efforts to promote the development and human rights conditions,” Ms. Kardel added.
The visit of the Acting UN Special Coordinator to Ras Baalbek and Arsal follows the Rome II conference in mid-March, when the international community pledged additional support for Lebanon’s official military and security institutions. The Acting Special Coordinator welcomed the continued commitment of the international community supporting Lebanon’s security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as demonstrated during her visit.
