UN chief urges peace, stability in Lebanon

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says it's essential that peace is preserved in Lebanon, warning that a new conflict could have "devastating consequences" in the region.

The U.N. chief told reporters at the U.N. headquarters in New York on Friday that he has been having "very intense contacts" at the political and diplomatic level with Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, but also with other countries in the region "or with an influence in the region."

Guterres said he has been telling the political leaders and diplomats that it is important to preserve Lebanon's unity and stability "and the functioning of the Lebanese institutions."

Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri mysteriously resigned from the Saudi capital last Saturday, throwing the tiny nation into turmoil and leading to rumors that he is being held in Saudi Arabia against his will.

"We are indeed very worried," Guterres said, "and we hope that we won't see an escalation in the region that would have tragic consequences."