United Nations Secretary General concerned about continuing delay in lebanese presidential elections

New York, 5 December 2007 - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Lebanon

The Secretary-General is extremely concerned about the continuing delay in the election of a new president in Lebanon, which has extended well past the constitutional timeframe. Over the past few days he has spoken to key political leaders in the country to urge a solution, including Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, Speaker Nabih Berri and Majority Leader Saad Hariri. He believes it is now time for this matter to be resolved without further delay.

The Secretary-General will remain in close touch with Lebanese political leaders who bear, both to the people of Lebanon and to the future of the country, the responsibility to find a solution.