Security Council, Ban welcome formation of new Government in Lebanon

The United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed Saturday's announcement of the formation of a new Government in Lebanon, and congratulated Prime Minister Tamam Salam “on this important step”.

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson in New York, the UN chief encouraged Lebanon's political leaders to build on the constructive engagement which led to the formation of the new Government to ensure that the country's forthcoming presidential election is successfully conducted within the timeframe set by law.

“The Secretary-General pays tribute to outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati for his leadership,” said the statement, which added that the UN looks forward to working with the new Government in its efforts to serve the people of Lebanon and to ensure the effective implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 and other resolutions which remain essential to the country's stability.

Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and the Lebanese group Hizbollah, calls for respect for the Blue Line, the disarming of all militias in Lebanon, and an end to arms smuggling in the area.

In the statement, Mr. Ban emphasizes that, given the severity of the security, humanitarian and economic challenges facing Lebanon, it will be important for the Government to be able, without delay, to act effectively to address such issues with the full support of all parties.

In a statement issued later in the day, the Security Council also welcomed the political developments in Lebanon and looked forward to the constructive engagement of the new Government with the international community, in particular the UN-backed International Support Group to mobilize support for Lebanon.

The Council also underlined the need for the Government to uphold Lebanon's long standing democratic tradition in particular in ensuring that presidential elections will take place within the constitutional framework.