The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Román Oyarzun Marchesi (Spain):

The members of the Security Council welcomed the announcement on 18 December of the formation of a national unity Government in Lebanon, and congratulated Prime Minister Saad Hariri and his Cabinet.

They encouraged all of Lebanon’s political leaders to build on this momentum of national unity and to ensure Lebanon’s ability to address the pressing security, economic, social and humanitarian challenges facing the country.

The members of the Security Council stressed the importance of the holding of parliamentary elections by May 2017, in accordance with the Constitution, in order to sustain Lebanon’s democratic tradition.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that the preservation of Lebanon’s stability is essential to regional stability and security.  The members of the Security Council underscored their previous calls on all Lebanese parties to recommit to Lebanon’s policy of dissociation and to cease any involvement in the Syrian crisis, consistent with their commitment in the Baabda declaration.  They reaffirmed their strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon, in accordance with resolutions 1701 (2006), 1680 (2006) and 1559 (2004).

The members of the Security Council called on the international community, including international organizations, to ensure continued support to Lebanon in addressing the economic, security and humanitarian challenges facing the country.  They reiterated their appreciation for the International Support Group for Lebanon and their support to the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon.