World Powers Appeal for Calm to Avoid Unrest in Absence of President
The United States, the European Union and other countries appealed for calm and urged the feuding sides to quickly negotiate an end to the presidential crisis and spare the country further turmoil.
Washington offered its support to Prime Minister Fouad Saniora”s government and urged “all Lebanese political groups to do their part to maintain calm and promote security for Lebanon”s citizens.”
In Paris, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said he was still optimistic a solution would be found next week.
Spain, in turn, urged the warring factions to continue exerting efforts to overcome differences.
“Madrid hopes that all the political leaders will work to preserve peace and stability in Lebanon and (urge them) against taking unilateral action that could further aggravate political differences,” a statement from the Spanish foreign ministry said.
“I don”t believe there will be serious tension,” said Kouchner, who spent last week in Lebanon trying to mediate. “I know that any local conflict can degenerate into something extremely serious in Lebanon, but I am optimistic.”
Russian foreign ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin, whose country maintains close relations with Syria, voiced “deep concern” over the situation after President Emile Lahoud resigned amid a raging dispute over who was in charge in the politically divided nation.
“The situation has been greeted in Moscow with regret and deep concern,” foreign ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said in a statement.
“The priority remains the avoidance of open or even armed confrontation and to continue the search for the broadest possible consensus in Lebanon within the constitutional framework,” Kamynin said.
Lahoud, regarded as one of Lebanon”s most controversial presidents, left office shortly before midnight Friday at the end of his term with no elected successor.
He handed over responsibility for the country”s security to the army.
Egypt hailed Saniora, saying the prime minister “enjoys appropriate expertise and wisdom to run Lebanon through this critical stage and bring peace to the country.”
“Egypt looks forward to a Parliament session to elect a new president … on Nov. 30,” Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abu al-Geith said.