BEIRUT: Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri discussed Wednesday with U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag the presidential election stalemate and the Syrian refugee crisis, as well as other developments in the region.
“It is natural that the meeting dealt with the situation in Lebanon and the region, with a particular focus on security and stability,” Kaag said following the meeting at Hariri’s Downtown Beirut residence, according to a statement from the former premier’s press office. Kaag’s meeting with Hariri was her first since she was appointed in her post late last year.
She said the meeting also tackled important issues such as the presidential deadlock and the social and economic impact of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon. “We discussed the necessary support needed for the [Syrian] refugees ... in addition to the need for continued support for all efforts made by the [Lebanese] government and Lebanese partners to maintain Lebanon’s stability and isolate it from any dangers and threats,” Kaag added.
She underlined the importance of respecting U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, while pledging support for the government of Prime Minister Tammam Salam.
The statement said Hariri also held separate meetings with Economy Minister Alain Hakim and a Kataeb Party delegation composed of MPs Elie Marouni, Nadim Gemayel, Samer Saade and Fadi Habr.
Hariri also received the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon Gabriele Caccia. During the meeting, discussions focused on the local and regional situation, particularly on the need to elect a president as soon as possible.
Caccia praised the ongoing dialogue in Lebanon, stressing the keenness of the Holy See to closely follow up the Lebanese situation.
Hariri also met with the Swedish Ambassador Diana Janse. The former prime minister discussed the current political situation with Defense Minister Samir Moqbel. Later on, Hariri tackled the security situation in the country with State Security Chief, Gen. George Qaraa.
Hariri returned to Lebanon last week to attend a ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of the assassination of his father, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Hariri’s last visit to Lebanon was in August following deadly clashes between the Army and Islamist militants in the northeast town of Arsal. He has been living in self-imposed exile between France and Saudi Arabia since January 2011 over security concerns.
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