Security Council Welcomes Michel Aoun’s Election as President of Lebanon, Urging Him Swiftly to Form Unity Government, Promote Stability

The Security Council this afternoon welcomed the election of the new President of Lebanon, Michel Aoun, urging him and other leaders to swiftly form a new Government and take other steps to promote the country’s stability.

“The election is a long-awaited and critical step to overcome Lebanon’s political and institutional crisis,” the Council stated in a statement read out by Fodé Seck of Senegal, Council President for the month of November.

“The formation of a unity Government and the election of a parliament by May 2017, in accordance with the Constitution, are critical for Lebanon’s stability and resilience to withstand regional challenges,” the Council stressed, encouraging all parties in the country to demonstrate “renewed unity and determination to that end” and in order to address the growing challenges in many areas.

Affirming that the preservation of Lebanon’s stability was essential to regional stability and security, the Council underscored its previous calls on all Lebanese parties to recommit to the policy of dissociation and to cease any involvement in the Syrian crisis, consistent with their commitment in the Baabda Declaration.

The Council commended Prime Minister Tammam Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri for their leadership during what it called a difficult period in Lebanon.  Expressing appreciation to the International Support Group for Lebanon, it called on the international community to ensure continued support to Lebanon in addressing the economic, security and humanitarian challenges facing the country.

The meeting began at 3:15 p.m. and ended at 3:25 p.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2016/15 reads as follows:

“The Security Council recalls all its previous resolutions and the statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon, including its statement of 22 July 2016 (S/PRST/2016/10).  The Security Council reaffirms its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of Lebanon, in accordance with resolutions 1701 (2006), 1680 (2006), and 1559 (2004).

“The Security Council welcomes the election of the President of the Republic of Lebanon Michel Aoun in accordance with the Lebanese constitution.  The election is a long-awaited and critical step to overcome Lebanon’s political and institutional crisis.  The Security Council urges the new President of the Republic of Lebanon and Lebanese leaders to build on their efforts thus far by continuing to work constructively to promote the country’s stability, and by swiftly forming a Government.

“The Security Council stresses that the formation of a unity Government and the election of a parliament by May 2017, in accordance with the Constitution, are critical for Lebanon’s stability and resilience to withstand regional challenges.  The Security Council encourages all parties in Lebanon to demonstrate renewed unity and determination to that end, in order to ensure Lebanon’s ability to address the growing security, economic, social and humanitarian challenges facing the country.

“The Security Council affirms that the preservation of Lebanon’s stability is essential to regional stability and security.  The Security Council underscores its previous calls on all Lebanese parties to recommit to Lebanon’s policy of dissociation and to cease any involvement in the Syrian crisis, consistent with their commitment in the Baabda Declaration.

“The Security Council commends Prime Minister Tammam Salam for his leadership throughout the difficult period and his efforts to enable the Government to function effectively without a President.  The Security Council further commends Speaker Nabih Berri for his efforts at fostering continued dialogue among all Lebanese parties.

“The Security Council expresses its appreciation for the International Support Group (ISG) for Lebanon and calls on the international community, including international organizations, to ensure continued support to Lebanon in addressing the economic, security and humanitarian challenges facing the country.  The Security Council reiterates its support to the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and encourages her to pursue her good offices role in this crucial period for Lebanon, in close coordination with the ISG.”