Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Gebran Bassil, welcomed on Wednesday UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jan Kubis, who paid him a visit before heading to New York to attend his first meeting at the International Security Council in New York, in his capacity as UN Coordinator.
"We've discussed a number of issues, and Minister Bassil would like me to relay several messages, including those related to the incessant Israeli violations of Resolution 1701, and Lebanon's request for a more resolute approach by the United Nations towards this matter," Kubis said.
"Minister Bassil would also like me to relay Lebanon's concern with regard to the Syrian refugee crisis, and the need to provide all the necessary conditions for their swift return to Syria," Kubis added, mentioning the humanitarian laws and international regulations vis-a-vis refugee affairs.
"I believe that there is an internal consensus in Lebanon that efforts must be exerted and tangible results must be attained for a swift return of Syrians to their homeland," he added.
"We have also discussed the issue of land and sea borders with Israel, and the need to accelerate work in this regard. I have reaffirmed the United Nations clear interest to play a facilitating role in this area," Kubis affirmed.
Separately, Bassil welcomed Danish Ambassador to Lebanon, Merete Juhl, who described the meeting as "very constructive.
The pair discussed cooperation between the two countries in the fields of labor, environment, agriculture, and health.
Bassil later discussed bilateral relations with Hungarian Ambassador, Géza Mihályi, who briefed the Minister on the objectives of the Hungarian foreign minister's visit to Beirut on May 8.
Bassil finally met with Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Massimo Marotti, accompanied by ENI's Executive Vice President of International Affairs, Lapo Pistelli . The pair briefed Bassil on the stages of the oil and gas exploration process, in which the Italian company ENI is involved, along with France's Total and Novatech.
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