UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at a meeting of the UN General Assembly high-level week on September 23, 2020, in New York. (Photo: VNA/AFP)

In his opening remarks to a International Support Group ministerial meeting for Lebanon on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly high-level week, Guterres said the designation of Mustapha Adib as prime minister is a step in the right direction. This should be followed by the swift formation of a government able to meet the legitimate aspirations and needs expressed by the Lebanese people and to quickly deliver on key reforms and fundamental changes, said Guterres. Wednesday's virtual meeting was attended by caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab. Guterres also asked for the launch of reforms. Now is the time for transformation in a variety of sectors, including financial, banking and energy, as well as customs, public procurement and state-owned enterprises, he said.