Director General for Political Affairs at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Richard Moore said Monday “he is pleased to be able to visit Beirut again, at what is perhaps a seminal moment for Lebanon,” according to a statement distributed by the UK embassy in Beirut.
In his statement, Moore said: “We have been following developments here closely, as the UK has long been an important partner and supporter for Lebanon, for example investing $200m last year to support Lebanese security, stability, prosperity and sovereignty.”
“We and partners in the international community stand ready to continue our support to Lebanon. But let mebe clear that the matter of choosing leaders and a Cabinet is a domestic issue for the Lebanese. The people of Lebanon have been clear in their demand for improved governance, and they should be heard.,” he continued.
“As protests continue, we recognize that the security agencies have a difficult but essential role in safeguarding Lebanese security. It is vital that the right to peaceful protest continues to be respected, and suppressing the protest movement through violence or intimidation from any organization is completely unacceptable,” he stated.
In turn, British Ambassadorto Lebanon Chris Rampling said: “We are pleased to have Director General Moore here at this crucial time for Lebanon. As well as listening to the views of Lebanese interlocutors, our meetings today reiterate the importance the UK places on having a new, capable, responsive Lebanese government, able to implement the overdue reforms that will benefit all Lebanese.”