Ban Ki-moon urges calm after Lebanon postpones presidential election again

Reacting to the fifth postponement of the Lebanese presidential election beyond the term of the current incumbent, Emile Lahoud, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged all parties to maintain calm and further intensify efforts to reach a compromise as soon as possible.

“The Secretary-General urges all parties to live up to their responsibilities and to act within the constitutional framework as well as in a peaceful and democratic manner,” a spokesperson for Mr. Ban said in a statement released in New York voicing regret at the postponement of the election, which was to have been held tomorrow.

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at the fragility of the situation in Lebanon and is following events very carefully.”

Mr. Ban and his Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Geir O. Pedersen, are in close touch with key players in the country, the region and beyond, according to the statement.