Lebanese foreign minister: UN needs to show its political will

In an interview with Al-Monitor, Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil asked for the international community to stop the flight of Christians and minorities from the region.
Lebanon's Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil adjusts his earpiece during a news conference at the Foreign Affairs building in Mexico City, February 23, 2015. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido (MEXICO - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR4QVGR
Gebran Bassil adjusts his earpiece during a news conference in Mexico City, Feb. 23, 2015. - REUTERS/Edgard Garrido
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Al-Monitor Staff
Read in 

Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Gebran Bassil addressed the UN Security Council on March 27 about the dire situation faced by minorities in the Middle East. Speaking with Al-Monitor after the session, Bassil said Christians in the Middle East have had no choice but to flee: “They are leaving. It is not a risk, it is a reality.”

Bassil reiterated that Lebanon is prepared to continue to fight to protect minorities but it needs more support and arms to better protect minorities in the region.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more