Note to Correspondents: Lebanon-Israel maritime agreement

27 October 2022

The Secretary-General welcomes the signing of the agreement today to delineate the maritime boundary between Lebanon and Israel. As noted in our statement of 13 October, the Secretary-General strongly believes this development can promote increased stability in the region and enhanced prosperity for the Lebanese and Israeli peoples.

At 3.45pm local time today (27 October), delegations from Israel and Lebanon presented to the United States lead mediator their signed agreement to the delineation of their maritime boundary, in a ceremony held at UNIFIL premises in Naqoura, southern Lebanon.

The agreement took the form of two separate letters, one from Lebanon to the United States, and one from Israel to the United States. President Aoun signed the letter for Lebanon ahead of the ceremony, as did Prime Minister Lapid for Israel, with the signed letters then presented by the respective delegations to US lead mediator Amos Hochstein at the ceremony.

Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka represented the UN at the ceremony, where she received the coordinates from Lebanon and Israel to be deposited with the United Nations.

In a statement following the ceremony (issued separately), the Special Coordinator welcomed this "historic achievement", which can "serve as a confidence-building measure that promotes security and stability in the region" and provide "economic benefits for both countries."

SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON MARITIME BOUNDARY BETWEEN LEBANON AND ISRAEL

19 Oct 2022 The members of the Security Council commended the announcements that Lebanon and Israel have agreed to end their dispute over their maritime boundary and delineate it permanently. This is a major step, which will contribute to the stability, the security, and the prosperity of the region. It will benefit both countries and their people and will allow both parties to benefit equitably from energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean.

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the resolution of the maritime boundary dispute between Lebanon and Israel

 13 October 2022 - Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcements that the Governments of Lebanon and Israel have formally agreed to settle their maritime boundary dispute, as mediated by the United States. He strongly believes this encouraging development can promote increased stability in the region and enhanced prosperity for the Lebanese and Israeli peoples.

The United Nations remains committed to assisting the parties, as requested.The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support the effective implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and other relevant resolutions which remain essential to the stability of the region.

STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT GROUP FOR LEBANON

5 Oct 2022 

As the term of the President of Lebanon expires on 31 October, the International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG) emphasizes the importance of electing within the timeframe set by the Constitution, a new President who could unite the Lebanese people and work with all regional and international actors to overcome the economic and humanitarian crisis for the greater public good, most immediately by paving the way for comprehensive reforms and an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

As the focus is now on the presidential election, it is important that an empowered new government is established that can implement the direly needed reforms. Now is the time for Lebanese politicians to swiftly reach a broad-based national consensus to avoid a multilayered executive vacuum.

The ISG notes with concern the insufficient progress in the implementation of the commitments made under the 7 April staff-level agreement with the IMF, notably the delay in adopting appropriate legislation on capital controls, bank secrecy, and bank resolution, as well as decisions towards unifying the multiple exchange rate system and restoring the health of the financial sector. The ISG calls on the authorities to accelerate their efforts to complete all outstanding prior actions.

The ISG deplores the lack of progress so far in the judicial proceedings in connection with the Beirut port explosion. The ISG calls on Lebanese authorities to do everything possible to unblock any hurdles to the completion of an impartial, thorough and transparent investigation. The families of the victims and the Lebanese people deserve truth and justice without further delay.

It is incumbent on Lebanese leadership to deliver for the people and return Lebanon to a path of sustainability and progress. Governance based on principles and undertakings that can underpin Lebanon's stability and standing will be important to give the country a clear direction with the continued support of the international community. Ultimately, it is a matter of accountability towards the citizens of Lebanon and of rebuilding their confidence in the Lebanese state.

The ISG 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.