Press releases

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty, in Paris today: Monsieur le President, excellencies, friends of Lebanon, I welcome this initiative by [France] President [Emmanuel] Macron and underscore our commitment to realizing the aims of this conference and supporting the people of Lebanon. We do so in the context of a region that is reeling, and Lebanon in utter turmoil. The past year has brought daily exchanges of fire across the Blue Line.

The following solidarity message by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was issued today: Earlier this week, I had the privilege of speaking with representatives of your countries here in New York.  Today, I want to speak to you directly. I want to say to you what I said to them:  I am full of admiration and gratitude to the men and women of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).  I am so proud of you — and I know your countries are proud of you, too.

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres: Against the backdrop of the ongoing hostilities in southern Lebanon and despite attacks that have hit United Nations positions, injuring a number of peacekeepers in the past several days, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers remain in all positions and the UN flag continues to fly.  The Secretary-General pays tribute to the dedicated personnel of UNIFIL.

STATEMENT BY MARTHA AMA AKYAA POBEE, SPECIAL REREPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL SECURITY COUNCIL BRIEFING New York 02 OCTOBER 2024