Secretary-General, Expressing Regret over Lebanon Parliament’s Inability to Meet Election Deadline, Urges Avoidance of Further Delay

25 May 2014

Secretary-General SG/SM/15881

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

 Secretary-General, Expressing Regret over Lebanon Parliament's Inability to Meet Election Deadline, Urges Avoidance of Further Delay

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General regrets that the Lebanese Parliament was unable to elect a new President within the timeframe set by the Constitution.  He calls on the country's leaders to engage intensively to ensure the election of a new President without delay.

The Secretary-General calls on Lebanese leaders to ensure the continued effective functioning of the institutions of the State, to guarantee that the Government is able to address the challenges facing the country and to meet Lebanon's international obligations.  The United Nations remains committed to continued partnership with the Government of Lebanon as it works towards achieving these goals.

The Secretary-General pays tribute to the leadership demonstrated by outgoing President Michel Sleiman over the past six years and lauds his commitment to the unity and stability of Lebanon, including through the International Support Group for Lebanon and the implementation of relevant United Nations resolutions.

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For information media • not an official record

Lebanon: Security Council urges speedy election amid presidential vacuum

29 May 2014 – The Security Council today voiced its disappointment and concern that the election for a new Lebanese President has not taken place within the constitutional timeframe.

"The Council urges the Parliament to uphold Lebanon's longstanding democratic tradition and to work to ensure that presidential elections take place as soon as possible and without external interference," the 15-member body said in a presidential statement.

The term of the current head of State, Michel Sleiman, ended on 25 May, and the Lebanese Constitution specifies that Parliament must convene to elect a new leader before the deadline passes.

The Council paid tribute to the work carried out by Mr. Sleiman, who served for six years, and reiterated its full support for the Government to discharge its duties during this interim period "in accordance with the Constitution," until the election of the new president.

It also looked forward to the continued engagement of the Lebanese authorities with the international community, particularly the International Support Group for Lebanon, to mobilize support for the country.

Last Sunday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced his regret that the Parliament was unable to elect a new president and called on Lebanon's leaders to select a new one "without delay."