The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Derek Plumbly, met in Beirut today with Prime Minister Tamam Salam to discuss the grave security challenges faced by the country this year, as well as progress made to promote dialogue between political parties.

With soaring numbers of refugees seeking asylum in Lebanon, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson today pledged to “help as much as possible” to ensure that the tragic conflict in Syria will not spread into Lebanese society.

Lebanon remains “a beacon of tolerance and co-existence” in an otherwise combustible region, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared today, adding that in the face of growing challenges along its borders, the Middle Eastern country will need to continue its close collaboration with the United Nations and other international stakeholders.