Security Council

5896^th Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES YESTERDAY’S AGREEMENT BY LEBANESE LEADERS TO ELECT

PRESIDENT, ESTABLISH NATIONAL UNITY CABINET, ADDRESS ELECTORAL LAW

The Security Council this afternoon welcomed the agreement reached yesterday in Doha by Lebanese leaders under the auspices of the Arab League to elect a President, to establish a national unity cabinet and to address the electoral law. 

In a statement read by this month’s Council President John Sawers ( United Kingdom), the Council welcomed and strongly supported the agreement as an essential step towards the resolution of the current crisis, the return of the normal functioning of Lebanese democratic institutions, and the complete restoration of Lebanon’s unity and stability.

The Council further welcomed the decision to continue the national dialogue on ways to reinforce the authority of the State over all its territory and the agreement to ban the use of weapons and violence as a means to settle disputes.

It called for the implementation of the agreement in its entirety.

The meeting started at 3:55 p.m. and was adjourned at 4 p.m.

Presidential Statement

Presidential statement S/PRST/2008/17 reads as follows:

“The Security Council congratulates the leaders and people of Lebanon and welcomes and strongly supports the agreement reached in Doha on 21 May under the auspices of the Arab League, which constitutes an essential step towards the resolution of the current crisis, the return to the normal functioning of Lebanese democratic institutions, and the complete restoration of Lebanon’s unity and stability.

“The Security Councilcommends the efforts of the Arab League, in particular of the Committee of Foreign Ministers, under the leadership of the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani, and Secretary-General Amr Moussa, in helping Lebanese leaders reach an agreement.

“The Security Council welcomes the agreement to elect a President of the Republic, to establish a national unity cabinet and to address Lebanon’s electoral law, in accordance with the Arab League Initiative, as well as the decision to continue the national dialogue on ways to reinforce the authority of the State over all its territory, in such a way to guarantee the sovereignty and the safety of the State and the people of Lebanon. It welcomes the agreement to ban the use of weapons and violence as a means to settle disputes, irrespective of their nature and under any circumstances.

“The Security Councilcalls for the implementation of this agreement in its entirety, in accordance with the Arab League Initiative, and in conformity with the Taef agreement and all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon.

“The Security Council reaffirms its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, unity and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders and under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory.”

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For information media • not an official record