Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Joint statement of the International Support Group for Lebanon on the formation of a Government

18 December 2016 

The members of the International Support Group for Lebanon warmly welcome the announcement of the formation of a new government, and congratulate Prime Minister Saad Hariri and his Cabinet. The members of the ISG hope that the positive momentum created with the election of a President and the formation of a Government can be maintained and capitalized on. This is a much-needed opportunity for the Lebanese leadership to reactivate state institutions and fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the Lebanese people, by addressing the urgent challenges Lebanon faces. The members of the ISG stress the importance of the timely holding of parliamentary elections in order to keep up with Lebanon’s democratic tradition. The members of the ISG stress the importance for domestic and regional stability, of Lebanon’s continued commitment to relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1701 (2006), the Taif Accords, the Baabda Declaration, and other international obligations. The members of the ISG look forward to the swift adoption of the new Government’s ministerial statement and stand ready to work closely in partnership with the new Government in support of Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and state institutions. 

Note to Editors 

The International Support Group has brought together the governments of China, France, Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States, together with the European Union and the Arab League. It was launched in September 2013 by the UN Secretary-General with President Sleiman to help mobilize support and assistance for Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and state institutions and to specifically to encourage assistance for the Lebanese Army, Syrian refugees in Lebanon and host communities and government programs and public services impacted by the Syrian crisis. 

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Statement attributable to the Spokesman of the Secretary-General on the formation of a new Government in Lebanon

18 December 2016
The Secretary-General welcomes today’s announcement of the formation of a new Government of national accord in Lebanon. He congratulates Prime Minister Saad Hariri on the swift process and encourages Lebanon’s political leaders to build on the momentum of national unity. The Secretary-General pays tribute to outgoing Prime Minister Tammam Salam for his leadership. The Secretary-General hopes that the new Government will ensure that the country’s forthcoming parliamentary election is successfully conducted within the timeframe set by the constitution. The United Nations looks forward to working with the new Government to continue to address political, security and humanitarian challenges, improve socioeconomic prospects, and ensure the effective implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and other relevant resolutions, which remain essential to the stability of Lebanon and the region.