PRESS RELEASE

SC/14905

25 MAY 2022

• SECURITY COUNCIL

Security Council Press Statement on Lebanon

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Linda Thomas-Greenfield (United States):

The members of the Security Council welcomed the holding of legislative elections in Lebanon as scheduled on 15 May, despite challenging circumstances.  These elections were key to enabling the Lebanese people to exercise their civil and political rights.  The members of the Security Council commended the technical support provided by the United Nations, the European Union, the International Organisation of La Francophonie, the Arab League and other international and local observers throughout the election process and in close coordination with the Government of Lebanon.  They took note of the findings and recommendations made by observer missions.

The members of the Security Council called for the swift formation of a new inclusive Government and the urgent implementation of previously outlined tangible reforms, including the swift adoption of an appropriate budget for 2022 that would enable the quick conclusion of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to respond to the demands of the Lebanese population.  They stressed the role of the Lebanese institutions, including the newly elected Parliament, in the implementation of the reforms necessary to tackle the unprecedented crisis.  They also underlined the importance of delivering those reforms in order to ensure effective international support.  Moreover, they encouraged measures to enhance women's full, equal and meaningful political participation and representation, including in the new Government.

The members of the Security Council stressed once again the need for a swift conclusion of an independent, impartial, thorough, and transparent investigation into the explosions which struck Beirut on 4 August 2020, which is essential to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Lebanese people for accountability and justice.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their strong support for the stability, security, territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon, consistent with Security Council resolutions 1701 (2006), 1680 (2006), 1559 (2004) and 2591 (2021), as well as other relevant Security Council resolutions and statements of the President of the Security Council on the situation in Lebanon.

The members of the Security Council called upon all Lebanese parties to implement a tangible policy of disassociation from any external conflicts, as an important priority, as spelled out in previous declarations, in particular the 2012 Baabda Declaration.

20 May2022

STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT GROUP FOR LEBANON

The International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG) welcomes the timely conduct of the parliamentary elections on 15 May. The ISG expresses its appreciation for the professionalism, hard work and dedication of the Lebanese civil servants involved in the electoral process; and commends the security forces for maintaining public order during its conduct.

The ISG is encouraged by the Lebanese people's civic participation in these elections in Lebanon and abroad, which was an opportunity for them to articulate their aspirations and to have their voices heard; they deserve that.

The ISG looks forward to the inauguration of the new parliament and urges it to capitalize on the hope and faith the people have invested in it at the ballot box. Now is the time to move boldly forward to pass the legislation needed to stabilize the economy, improve governance, and enact the reforms Lebanon and its people so urgently need to help them get back on their feet.

The ISG calls on all relevant actors to work quickly on the swift formation of  a government that can implement the extremely important outstanding reforms and continue to work with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including by implementing the prior actions Lebanon committed to in its 7 April staff-level agreement in order to lay a solid basis  for socio-economic relief and a sustainable recovery of Lebanon.

The ISG notes that the number of women represented in Lebanese political life remains low, depriving the country of their contribution to good governance, peace and security. At the same time, given the enthusiastic participation of women in this election, the ISG urges every possible step to ensure that women play a full part in Lebanese politics.

The ISG looks forward to working with the new government as it follows up on its international commitments, including under UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and other relevant resolutions, and reiterates its support for Lebanon's sovereignty, stability and political independence. Going forward, it is important to adhere to the constitutional calendar for the next steps in the electoral cycle through this year.

The International Support Group continues to stand by Lebanon and its people. 

Note to Editors

The International Support Group has brought together the United Nations and 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 former President Michel Sleiman to help mobilize support and assistance for Lebanon's stability, sovereignty and state institutions.

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Lebanon’s parliamentary elections 16 May 2022

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General congratulates Lebanon on the holding of parliamentary elections on 15 May. Despite the challenging circumstances, the authorities demonstrated their commitment to adhere to the Constitution and honour Lebanon's democratic traditions.

The Secretary-General looks forward to the swift formation of an inclusive government that can finalize the agreement with the International Monetary Fund and accelerate the implementation of reforms necessary to set Lebanon on the path to recovery. The Secretary-General equally counts on the new Parliament to urgently adopt all legislation necessary to stabilize the economy and improve governance. In this regard, he calls on Lebanon's political leaders to work jointly with the best interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese people in mind. The Secretary-General continues to encourage measures to enhance women's political participation and representation, including in the next government. 

The United Nations continues to support Lebanon and its sovereignty, stability, and political independence in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions.