Quint Ambassadors say 'Lebanon can't afford to wait another month'

After more than 18 months of presidential void in Lebanon, the ambassadors of Egypt, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United States reemphasized Thursday in a joint statement the dire situation facing the Lebanese people and the irreversible implications of delaying the crucial reforms on Lebanon’s economy and social stability. "Lebanon cannot afford to wait another month," they said.

"The country needs and deserves a president who unites the nation, prioritizes the well-being of its citizens, and forms a broad and inclusive coalition to restore political stability and implement necessary economic reforms. The election of a president is also needed to ensure that Lebanon has a seat at the table in regional discussions and to conclude a future diplomatic deal on Lebanon’s southern border," the statement said.

Last month, the Quint Ambassadors concluded their meetings with the major Lebanese political blocs to discuss the ongoing presidential void. The Quint Ambassadors’ discussions with the political blocs showed that the blocs agree on the urgent need to elect a president and are ready to participate in a renewed effort to achieve this outcome, some as early as the end of May 2024, the ambassadors said.

Consequently, the Quint Ambassadors said they believe that consultations, that are limited in scope and duration, between the political blocs are needed to end the current political stalemate.

"These consultations should aim only to identify a widely agreed-upon candidate or a short list of candidates for the presidency."

"Immediately following conclusion of these consultations, Members of Parliament would go to an open electoral session in Parliament with multiple rounds until the election of a new president," the ambassadors said, as they called upon the Lebanese Parliamentarians to proceed with consultations and to fulfill their constitutional responsibility to elect a president.

Egypt, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United States reiterated their united position to support the Government and people of Lebanon, as expressed in the Doha statement issued last July.

They reaffirmed their commitment to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and constitution and maintains their honest and neutral efforts to help Lebanon to emerge from its current crises and restore its political and economic soundness.

The Quint Ambassadors said they stand ready to witness and facilitate the suggested political consultations in tandem with ongoing Lebanese efforts and initiatives from all the Lebanese parties and stakeholders, including the Moderation Bloc.