Secretary-General's remarks to the press upon arrival in Beirut

I am pleased to be in Lebanon after visiting Iraq, Egypt, Palestine, Israel, Jordan and Riyadh, where I attended the Arab Summit . I have listened attentively and I have learned a great deal about the region and the challenges it is facing. I realize these challenges are particularly serious in Lebanon, where I trust a return to dialogue and reconciliation will prevail.

I had hoped, as I am sure did all Lebanese, that a solution to the current problems would have been agreed on by the time of the Summit. I regret that is not so. I hope the efforts of Lebanese and Arab leaders to mediate will continue.

We have seen how easily political tensions can spill over into violence. All sides would lose from such an escalation. I believe that dialogue and compromise are the only ways to stability and national unity.

As Secretary-General, Lebanon is one of my priorities, especially the successful implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701. I extend my appreciation to the Government of Lebanon for its continuing commitment to 1701, and for its support and cooperation with the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL.

I am also here to spend a day with our UNIFIL peacekeepers who have played a crucial role in enabling the cessation of hostilities to take hold as well as providing humanitarian assistance to the people of south Lebanon.

The United Nations remains focused on helping your country consolidate its sovereignty, independence, stability and security and I am looking forward to further discussions with Prime Minister Siniora and his government.