UN chief, in crisis-hit Lebanon, criticizes its leaders

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in crisis-ridden Lebanon on Sunday, hitting out at political leaders who "paralyze" the country in the face of its people's suffering.

"I have come with a simple message: the UN stands in solidarity with the people of Lebanon," Guterres told a press conference with Lebanese President Michel Aoun.

"Seeing the suffering of the people of Lebanon, Lebanese political leaders do not have the right to be divided and paralyze the country," he added.

He said the objective of his meetings would be "to discuss how we can best support the Lebanese people to overcome the current economic and financial crisis and to promote peace, stability and sustainable development".

Lebanon is in the throes of an economic meltdown dubbed by the World Bank as among the planet's worst since the 1850s.

It is widely blamed on nepotism and corruption among the country's ruling class.

Around 80 percent of Lebanon's population is now estimated to be living under the poverty line.

"Lebanese people also expect their political leaders to restore the economy, provide the functioning government and state institutions," Guterres said.

Cabinet has failed to meet since mid-October because of infighting, in particular over the judge charged with investigating the catastrophic August 2020 explosion at Beirut's port that killed at least 215 people, injured thousands and devastated swathes of the capital.

The UN chief urged politicians to work together to resolve the crisis and called on the international community "to strengthen its support to Lebanon".