(NEW YORK, NY) — During a diplomatic trip to New York, Lebanon’s prime minister Tammam Salam appealed to United Nation world leaders saying his country is facing a “fierce terrorist onslaught” and a national disaster created by more than one million Syrian refugees.
Speaking before the U.N. General Assembly, Prime Minister Salam said Lebanon is determined not to give in to “pressure and blackmail” by Islamic extremists who overran a the northeastern town of Arsal, Lebanon in August and are holding about 20 Lebanese soldiers and policemen hostage.
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an al-Qaeda breakaway group, has already beheaded two of them and the Nusra Front, the main al-Qaeda branch in Syria, has shot a third, sparking days of violence against Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
Since then, Lebanese troops have clashed with jihadist fighters in the border area near the Lebanese town of Arsal.
The extremists have made various demands in exchange for the soldiers’ release, including the release of Islamist prisoners in Lebanese jails.
“We will never give in to such pressure, and will remain focused on the release of our soldiers, while preserving our country,” Salam said.
Salam also said the number of Syrian refugees are equivalent to one-third of the Lebanese population and has become a major national disaster.
“To be fully aware of the implications of this situation, one should imagine a hundred million people – yes, one hundred million people – flocking massively into the United States and spreading randomly in cities, towns, schools and parks,” he said.
Deputy Secretary of State of the United Nations William J. Burns says that although the Lebanese people have “(proven) their strength,” they are also in “dire need” of help.
“The Lebanese people can count on the support of partners across the region and across the world, as well from the United Nations and multiple Security Council Resolutions,” Burns said.