The quintet committee for Lebanon threatened those obstructing the election of a president with “measures” if no progress was made, calling on lawmakers to “commit” to their constitutional responsibility and proceed in electing a head of state.
The committee, which includes representatives of Egypt, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United States, convened in Doha on Monday to discuss “the urgent need for the Lebanese leadership to expedite the holding of presidential elections, and implement necessary economic reforms in order to fulfill its responsibilities towards the citizens.”
Held in the presence of French Presidential Envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian, the meeting stressed that rescuing the economy and securing a more prosperous future for the Lebanese people depended on the actions of the country’s leadership.
“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,” the officials said in a statement.
They added: “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 also emphasized “the desperate need for judicial reform and implementation of the rule of law, especially in regard to the 2020 Port of Beirut explosion investigation.”
They “strongly” urged Lebanese leaders and parties to take immediate action to overcome the current political impasse.
The quintet called on the Lebanese government to implement UN Security Council resolutions and other relevant international agreements, including those issued by the Arab League, and to adhere to the National Pact that safeguards national unity and civil justice in the country.