Kaag Says One-Year Baabda Vacuum Undermined Ability to Address Growing Challenges
U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag urged on Monday Lebanon's rival lawmakers to elect a president without delay and to put the nation's interest above partisan politics.
“Over the past year, the vacuum in the presidency has undermined Lebanon’s ability to address the growing security, economic and social challenges facing the country,” Kaag said in a statement as Lebanon marked a one-year vacuum in the country's top Christian post.
The vacuum has “contributed to political polarization at a time when Lebanon must make a united effort to safeguard the country from the impact of the Syrian crisis,” she said.
She urged the country's rival leaders to adhere to the Constitution, the Taef Accord and National Pact, and advised them “to put national interests above partisan politics for the sake of Lebanon’s stability.”
Kaag said “the unified international support shown for Lebanon should be accompanied by meaningful action by Lebanon’s leaders.”
She stressed that the presidential polls are a Lebanese process, calling on the rival MPs “to fulfill their constitutional duties, to uphold the country’s democratic tradition and convene to elect a president without further delay.”
The diplomat also lauded Prime Minister Tammam Salam for succeeding in upholding a unified cabinet despite enormous pressures and for showing remarkable leadership in the face of difficult circumstances.
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