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UN Security Council hails formation of national unity gov't in Lebanon

Xinhua, December 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Security Council on Monday welcomed the announcement of the formation of a national unity government in Lebanon, and called for international support for Lebanon in addressing its economic, security and humanitarian challenges.

In a press statement issued here, the 15-nation UN body congratulated Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and his cabinet.

"They encouraged all of Lebanon's political leaders to build on this momentum of national unity and to ensure Lebanon's ability to address the pressing security, economic, social and humanitarian challenges facing the country," the statement said.

It also stressed the importance of holding parliamentary elections by May 2017 in accordance with the constitution in order to sustain Lebanon's democratic tradition.

"Members of the Security Council reaffirmed that the preservation of Lebanon's stability is essential to regional stability and security."

The council members underscored their previous calls on all Lebanese parties to recommit to Lebanon's policy of dissociation and to cease any involvement in the Syrian crisis, in line with their commitment in the Baabda declaration, the statement said.

"Members of the Security Council called on the international community, including international organizations, to ensure continued support to Lebanon in addressing economic, security and humanitarian challenges facing the country," it said.

"They reiterated their appreciation for the International Support Group for Lebanon and their support to the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday welcomed the formation of the 30-member new government of national unity led by Hariri in Lebanon.

Hariri, who is the son of late Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, served as prime minister between 2009 and 2011 and is currently a member of parliament.

Lebanon was in a political deadlock since the end of the six-year term of former President Michel Suleiman on May 25, 2014.

Hariri launched an initiative which led to the election of President Michel Aoun as the 13th president of Lebanon on Oct. 31, ending more than two and a half years of political vacuum in the Middle East country. Endi