Kerry Calls on New Cabinet to Address Urgent Security Needs, Meet Constitutional Deadlines
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said his country hopes the new government will "address... urgent security, political and economic needs" after Prime Minister Tammam Salam's government was announced on Saturday nearly 11 months after his appointment.
Kerry listed the challenges ahead for Lebanon, including holding forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections "in a timely, transparent, democratic and fair manner".
“Amidst growing terrorism and sectarian violence, we look to the new cabinet, if approved by parliament, to address Lebanon’s urgent security, political and economic needs,” Kerry said in a statement.
He noted that the challenges include “addressing the needs of Lebanese communities hosting refugees from Syria; strengthening national institutions; countering extremist ideologies and redoubling counterterrorism efforts; encouraging economic growth, including offshore energy development; and holding presidential and parliamentary elections in a timely, transparent, democratic, and fair manner, in accordance with Lebanon’s constitution.”
He reiterated his country's “strong commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability.”
“We will continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces – the sole legitimate security forces in Lebanon,” Kerry added.
He urged the new government to ensure that all parties comply with Lebanon’s obligations and commitments, including U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701 and uphold the Taif Agreement and the Baabda Declaration.
Kerry described the “disassociation policy as the best way to ensure Lebanon’s stability and security.”
The Baabda Declaration was approved unanimously during a national dialogue session in June 2012.
It calls for Lebanon to adopt a policy of disassociation from regional developments.
Syria's nearly three-year war has deeply divided Lebanon, and the violence has spilled across the border into Lebanon, which has been hit by car and suicide bomb attacks.
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