New security perimeter around ESCWA

Tight security measures were put in place around the ESCWA building, without affecting traffic in the area.  

On the first day with tighter security, traffic flowed smoothly on the roads linking Ashrafieh to Hamra, Ashrafieh to Salim Salam tunnel, Salim Salam tunnel to Ashrafieh.  

Despite warnings to the contrary, the capital’s entrances stayed open.  

Metal barriers were set on all the roads leading to the ESCWA building, and no changes were made to the number of security forces surrounding the building. The roads that were closed link Salim Salam tunnel to Riad al Solh square, Ashrafieh to the U.N. building, and the ESCWA building to Salim Salam tunnel.  

Prominent U.N. sources told LBC that this measure is not related to domestic threats to the U.N., but follow the assault targeting the U.N. headquarters in Abuja.    

U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams’s request was based on a decision taken by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon who called for a comprehensive check to all U.N. headquarters worldwide.    

While LBC learned that these measures were part of a week-long trial, the U.N. official assured that this measure should go on until the dangers fade away.