International Community Insists on No Delay in Presidential Election
Western and Arab countries, along with the United Nations and European Union, have urged the Lebanese parliament to end a weeks-long political crisis by electing a president “without any further delay.”
“We share deep concern at the prolonged political crisis in Lebanon, we reiterate our call for unconditional Lebanese presidential elections without any further delay. In this regard, we urge that parliament be allowed to convene immediately to fulfill its constitutional duties,” said a statement signed Monday by representatives of nine nations and the U.N., on the sidelines of a donors” conference for the Palestinians in Paris.
They met under the auspices of U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
The call came as Lebanon”s legislature delayed for a ninth time — to next Saturday — the election of a new Lebanese head of state despite international appeals to end the standoff between the parliamentary majority and the opposition.
The signatories “strongly” condemned a string of political assassinations that have shaken Lebanon since 2004, and called on unspecified “outside powers” — taken to mean most notably Syria — to respect Lebanon”s constitution and democratic institutions.
“These acts of terror constitute a direct attack against the symbols of Lebanon”s sovereignty and institutions and are unacceptable and morally repugnant,” said the statement.
It showed strong support to Premier Fouad Saniora”s government.
“We support the legitimate, democratically elected Lebanese government and the Lebanese armed forces in their efforts to maintain the sovereignty and stability of Lebanon,” it said.
The signatories also urged the full implementation of all U.N. Security Council Resolutions on Lebanon, most notably 1559, 1680 and 1701.
The statement was signed by representatives from the European Union, United States, Egypt, France, Italy, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Britain, the United Arab Emirates and the U.N.
Picture: REUTERS/Evan Schneider