Today marks a one-year vacuum in the post of the Presidency of the Republic of Lebanon.
Over the past year, the vacuum in the Presidency has undermined Lebanon’s ability to address the growing security, economic and social challenges facing the country. It has contributed to political polarization at a time when Lebanon must make a united effort to safeguard the country from the impact of the Syrian crisis.
I urge Lebanon’s leaders to adhere to Lebanon’s Constitution, and to the Taef Agreement and National Pact, to put national interests above partisan politics for the sake of Lebanon’s stability, and to show the flexibility and sense of urgency needed to resolve this issue. The unified international support shown for Lebanon should be accompanied by meaningful action by Lebanon’s leaders. The presidential election is a Lebanese process, and I call on Members of Parliament to fulfil their constitutional duties, to uphold the country’s democratic tradition and convene to elect a President without further delay.
I would like to commend Prime Minister Salam who has succeeded in upholding a unified Government despite enormous pressures and who has shown remarkable leadership in the face of increasingly difficult circumstances.