5-nation group threatens 'measures' against presidential vote obstructors
The five-nation group on Lebanon has threatened “measures” against the Lebanese parties who are “blocking progress” in the stalled presidential election file, in a statement issued after a meeting in Doha.
"Today, representatives from Egypt, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United States met to discuss the urgent need for Lebanon's leadership to expedite presidential elections and implement imperative economic reforms in order to fulfill their responsibilities to their citizens. Rescuing the economy and securing a more prosperous future for the Lebanese people rests on their actions," the five nations said in a joint statement.
"While our five countries underscored our commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty and independence, we noted with concern that nearly nine months after the end of President Michel Aoun's term, Lebanon's political leaders have yet to elect a successor. It is crucial for Lebanese Members of Parliament to abide by their constitutional responsibility and proceed with the election of a president. We discussed concrete options with respect to implementing measures against those who are blocking progress on this front," they added.
Calling for a new president who “embodies integrity, unites the nation, puts the interests of the country first, prioritizes the well-being of its citizens, and forms a broad and inclusive coalition to implement essential economic reforms,” the five countries said they are “willing to work jointly with Lebanon to support the implementation of these reform measures, which are invaluable to the country's future prosperity, stability, and security."
They also underscored the “desperate need” for judicial reform and implementation of the rule of law, especially in regard to “the 2020 Port of Beirut explosion investigation."
"We emphasize the importance of the Lebanese government's implementation of the related U.N. Security Council Resolutions, as well as other relevant international agreements and resolutions, including those issued by the Arab League, and its commitment to the National Accord Agreement, which enables the preservation of national unity and civil justice in Lebanon," said the five nations.
"Egypt, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United States remain steadfast in their support for Lebanon and look forward to continued coordination in the interest of its people," they concluded.
Source: Naharnet
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