UN stresses role of Lebanon's state institutions

United nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly said Wednesday that "safeguarding Lebanon's security and stability can best be undertaken by strengthening state institutions." In a statement issued following talks with Lebanon's parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, Plumbly noted that the international support for Lebanon that was decided at the New York meeting is a "continuous process that will be expanded in due course." He added that the issue will be discussed in Washington during a World Bank meeting next week. He said "I told Speaker Berri this will be a continuous process and that group members looked forward to its expansion in due course. It is aimed at helping Lebanon face the challenges to its economy and state institutions resulting mainly from the Syrian crisis." The UN official had met earlier with caretaker Interior Minister Marwan Charbel to discuss the latest security developments in Lebanon. The UN official welcomed "the diligent efforts of Lebanon's security forces in tackling recent security incidents, notably the recent measures introduced in Beirut's southern suburbs and in other areas to keep Lebanon safe."