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UN Security Council calls on Lebanese parties to cease involvement in Syrian crisis

Xinhua, November 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

The UN Security Council on Thursday called on all Lebanese parties to cease any involvement in the Syrian crisis, while expressing its concern about the crisis' negative impact on Lebanon's stability.

In a press statement released here, the 15-nation council urged member states to increase assistance to Lebanon, noting with concern the deep socio-economic impact of the refugee crisis on Lebanon.

While condemning the Islamic State (IS) attacks in Beirut, Lebanon, the council members also said the 18-month vacancy in the country's presidency has impaired Lebanon's ability to address the security, economic, social and humanitarian challenges.

In this regard, the council called on all Lebanese leaders to adhere to the country's constitution and act to urgently convene a parliamentary session and proceed to the election of a president.

On Nov. 12, at least 43 people were killed and 250 others injured in Beirut in a twin bombing claimed by IS, the bloodiest such an attack in years.

Just a day before the attacks, the Lebanese parliament postponed presidential elections for the 31st times due to lack of required quorum. A sharp political division between the two main political streams in Lebanon has hindered the elections.

The country is now facing great refugee pressure as a result of the Syrian crisis. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, there are more than 1.1 million Syrian refugees registered in Lebanon. Endit