The Secretary-General spoke by telephone today with H.E. Mr. Michel Sleiman, President of Lebanon.

They discussed recent developments in Lebanon.  The Secretary-General expressed his strong support for President Sleiman's leadership in preserving the security and stability of the country, and stressed the importance of Lebanon's disassociation policy.  He told the President that he hoped that all parties in Lebanon would engage responsibly with him and work together through dialogue to find a way forward in the national interest.

The Secretary-General also expressed his solidarity with Lebanon in its efforts to assist the growing influx of refugees fleeing the violence from Syria, and told the President that he continues to urge the international community to  do more to help Lebanon to deal with this serious humanitarian situation.