LEBANON: SECRETARY-GENERAL ‘EXTREMELY CONCERNED’ OVER CONTINUING ELECTION DELAY

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is extremely concerned about the continuing delay in the election of a new President in Lebanon, which has extended well past the constitutional time frame.  Over the past few days he has spoken to key political leaders in the country to urge a solution, including Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Speaker Nabih Berri and Majority Leader Saad Hariri.  He believes it is now time for this matter to be resolved without further delay.

The Secretary-General will remain in close touch with Lebanese political leaders who bear, both to the people of Lebanon and to the future of the country, the responsibility to find a solution.

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For information media • not an official record