[May 24, 2012] UN official stresses support to Lebanon's stability Tweet BEIRUT, May 24, 2012 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly on Thursday stressed the world body's support to all steps aimed at safeguarding Lebanon's stability, security and the wellbeing of its citizens. Plumbly's press office issued a statement, saying that the UN Special Coordinator had discussed with Prime Minister Najib Miqati the ongoing efforts to strengthen calm and stability in Lebanon following recent security incidents. "I welcomed the prime minister's tireless efforts to this end, and the effort of Lebanon's other political leaders, as well as the vigilance and readiness of the army and the security forces," the envoy said. "I told the prime minister that the United Nations supports all steps aimed at safeguarding Lebanon's stability and security and the wellbeing of its citizens. I relayed the same message to President Michel Sleiman when I met him yesterday," he said. Plumbly added that the UN "welcomes President Sleiman's determination to revive dialogue in Lebanon at a time when such dialogue and communication is obviously a necessity." On the recent alleged abduction of Lebanese Shiites in Syria, Plumbly voiced hope that they return to their families safe and as soon as possible. A number of 13 Lebanese Shiite Muslims were kidnapped Tuesday in Syria's Aleppo province as they headed back home by bus from a pilgrimage in Iran. Their families said that they were abducted by Syrian rebels. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]