The Special Coordinator for Lebanon issued the following statement today following discussion with members of the International Support Group for Lebanon:
On behalf of members of the International Support Group for Lebanon, I would like to make the following statement.
First, we take this opportunity to pay tribute to President Michel Sleiman’s leadership during six critical years and to his commitment to Lebanon’s unity and stability, to keeping it safe against the backdrop of the conflict in Syria and to international cooperation not least in respect of the International Support Group and the implementation of United Nations resolutions in particular resolution 1701.
Secondly, and like the United Nations Secretary-General in his statement yesterday, we regret the failure of the Lebanese Parliament to elect a President within the timeframe set by the constitution, and call on Lebanon’s leaders to engage intensively to ensure the election of a new President without delay. We underline again that there is no international impediment to this: on the contrary, while the process must remain a purely Lebanese one, Lebanon’s friends within the international community stand ready to offer Lebanon every possible encouragement and support at this time.
We call on Lebanon’s leaders to ensure that the Government is able in this new circumstance to act effectively, as it has to date, to address the economic, security and humanitarian challenges facing the country and to meet Lebanon’s international obligations. The International Support Group is committed to continued support for, and partnership with, the Government as it seeks to achieve these objectives.
We underline again the importance for confidence and stability of avoiding a prolonged vacancy in the presidency. We also stress the importance of parliamentary elections being held on time in accordance with democratic practice.