EU foreign ministers express concern over the presidential vacuum in Lebanon

 

The External Relations Council of the European Union, joining foreign ministers of the EU member states, issued a statement on the situation in Lebanon after its December 10 meeting in Brussels.

 

The council expressed its concern over Lebanon’s failure to elect a new head of state and hopes that a solution can be reached.

 

“The council is strongly concerned by the current absence of a head of state in Lebanon.

It regrets that it has not yet been possible to elect a new president, and that the parliamentary
session has been postponed yet another time until December 11,” the statement said.

 

It also stressed the importance of reaching a solution through dialogue and according to the principles of democracy.

 

“The council remains hopeful that all sides can work flexibly and responsibly toward a solution that is acceptable to all parties. It encourages all concerned Lebanese actors to attempt to resolve the current impasse and welcomes recent signs of progress toward agreement,” the statement declared.

 

Individual EU foreign ministers reiterated the call on feuding Lebanese factions to respect the electoral process and avoid political tensions that might result in civil unrest.

 

The council stated its willingness to assist in an intra-Lebanese dialogue and called for the respect and implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1559, 1680, 1701 and 1757, which are aimed at reinforcing the country’s sovereignty and independence.