ISG Renews 'Commitment to Lebanon Security', Urges Electoral Law 'Compromise'

The Members of the International Support Group (ISG) reaffirmed Wednesday “their commitment to the stability and security of Lebanon,” an ISG joint statement said.

“The current political momentum has re-activated Lebanon's institutions of state,” the statement noted.

The ISG Members “encourage all parties to arrive at an early compromise, which would present an appropriate electoral framework for Lebanon,” the statement said.

“The timely conduct of peaceful and transparent parliamentary elections are an important step to preserve Lebanon’s democratic tradition, and to meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people,” the ISG added, noting that the ISG Members “stand ready to provide support.”

The International Support Group comprises the governments China, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, the UK and the U.S., together with the European Union and the Arab League.

It was launched in September 2013 by the U.N. secretary-general with then-President Michel Suleiman to help mobilize support and assistance for Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and state institutions and to specifically encourage assistance for the Lebanese army, Syrian refugees in Lebanon and host communities and government programs and public services impacted by the Syrian crisis.