I telephoned Prime Minister-designate Tamam Salam at the weekend as I was on official mission abroad but I wanted also to meet him in person to congratulate him on his designation and on the broad support he has received.
I take this opportunity to express our hope that all parties will continue to engage with him positively to ensure the early formation of a government to safeguard stability and to facilitate the conduct of parliamentary elections in accordance with the constitutional requirements.
Obviously, I stressed to the Prime Minister-designate the readiness of the United Nations in Lebanon to work closely with him once a new government is formed.
QUESTION: There are constant calls from the international community to hold the elections on time. Do you believe the elections in Lebanon will be held on time and what if there is a technical delay for several months?
SCL Derek Plumbly: We have noted the insistence of all sides, including obviously the Prime Minister-designate, on the importance of holding elections as I said based on the constitutional requirements. It is clear that if there is to be a new mixed law, then there would be a need for preparations. The United Nations is present at the technical level. I met the caretaker Minister of Interior this morning and we have a technical unit that has been working with the Ministry of Interior for a long time to prepare for the elections. So we will help. But of course it is up to the parliamentarians and the Lebanese to decide on what basis the elections will take place.
QUESTION: Do you believe there have been regional and international guarantees given to the Prime Minister-designate to facilitate the formation of the government and to conduct the elections on time?
SCL Derek Plumbly: I hear from all my ambassadorial colleagues and I was in Moscow at the end of last week and heard similar things there. I think everybody will welcome the choice of the Prime Minister and the broad support he received. All will hope that the Government will be formed in the same way on the basis of broad support and as soon as possible.
QUESTION: So there are no fears of vacuum of for the security situation in Lebanon?
SCL Derek Plumbly: What is important is the formation of the government and the conduct of the elections. This is a guarantee for stability and that is what is important.