New York, 9 November 2009 - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the formation of a Government of Lebanon

The Secretary-General welcomes the formation of a national unity government in Lebanon. He expresses his satisfaction that, five months after the parliamentary elections of 7 June, Lebanese political leaders have been able to reach agreement on the formation of a cabinet. The Secretary-General hopes that Lebanese political leaders will continue to work together in a spirit of unity, dialogue and cooperation.

The Secretary-General calls on the new Government of Lebanon to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701. He also urges the new Government to quickly take up the challenges that remain to consolidating both the sovereignty of Lebanon and the institutional capacity of the Lebanese state, as called for in the Taif Agreement and Security Council resolutions.