Concerned about Continued Failure to Fill Vacancy, Secretary-General Calls for Election of President without Further Delay

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the conduct of the municipal elections in Lebanon which are expected to conclude on 29 May.  They are a testament to Lebanon’s enduring democratic tradition and further proof that the people of Lebanon deserve to be represented at all levels.

The Secretary-General remains concerned about the continuing failure of Lebanese political parties to elect a President of the Republic, a post which has now remained vacant for two years.  As the Secretary-General said during his recent visit to Lebanon, national unity and Lebanon’s standing will remain fragile and incomplete as long as the vacancy in the presidency persists.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call on all Lebanese leaders to act responsibly to elect a President without any further delay, in accordance with the country's Constitution.