Security Council

5799^th Meeting (Night)

Security Council stresses deep concern at repeated postponements

of presidential election in Lebanon

 

Presidential Statement Emphasizes Political

Impasse Could Lead to Further Deterioration of Situation

The Security Council today stressed its deep concern at the repeated postponements of the presidential election in Lebanon, emphasizing that the ongoing political impasses might lead to further deterioration of the situation in Lebanon.

In a statement read by Council President Marcello Spatafora ( Italy), the Council reiterated its call for the holding, without delay, of a free and fair presidential election without anyforeign interference or influence and with full respect for democratic institutions.

The Council called upon all Lebanese political parties to continue to exercise restraint and to show responsibility with a view to preventing, through dialogue, further deterioration of the situation in Lebanon.

The Council, therefore, commended the course adopted by the democratically-elected Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces in carrying out their respective responsibilities in the period until the presidential election would occur.

The meeting started at 7:10 p.m. and was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2007/46 reads as follows:

“The Security Council stresses its deep concern at the repeated postponements of the presidential election in Lebanon.

“It emphasizes that the ongoing political impasse does not serve the interest of the Lebanese people and may lead to further deterioration of the situation in Lebanon.

“The Security Council reiterates its call for the holding, without delay, of a free and fair presidential election in conformity with Lebanese constitutional rules, without any foreign interference or influence, and with full respect for democratic institutions.

“It emphasizes the importance of Lebanese constitutional institutions, including the Government of Lebanon, as well as the importance of the unity of the Lebanese people in particular on the basis of reconciliation and political dialogue.

“It calls upon all Lebanese political parties to continue to exercise restraint and to show responsibility with a view to preventing, through dialogue, further deterioration of the situation in Lebanon.

“The Security Council therefore commends the course adopted by the democratically-elected Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces in carrying out their respective responsibilities in the period until the presidential election occurs.

“The Security Council reiterates its call for the full implementation of all its resolutions on Lebanon.”

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For information media • not an official record