Williams Meets Suleiman, Berri, Stresses Need to Form Government to Avoid Lost Opportunities

U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams stressed on Monday the need to form a new government as there are many problems in Lebanon that need to be addressed.

He said after holding talks with President Michel Suleiman: “There are many problems before Lebanon, problems of economy, problems of security and these problems are growing by the day.”

“We also believe that opportunities are being lost, for example the maritime resources,” he noted.

“These issues can only be tackled by the formation of a new government, which I believe to be in the best interest of the Lebanese people,” he continued.

Williams stressed: “The sooner a new government is formed, the better.”

The U.N. official also held talks with Speaker Nabih Berri on local and regional issued.

They discussed the situation in the South and the implementation of the U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 “and how to try and avoid a repetition of the tragedy that happened in Maroun al-Ras.”

“I think all of us need to work to prevent any repetition of that tragedy, the Lebanese army, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, the Palestinians, and the Lebanese authorities,” he stated.

Two weeks ago, clashes erupted at Maroun al-Ras between Israeli troops and demonstrators commemorating the Nakba Day.