The UN Security Council has encouraged all parties in Lebanon to demonstrate “renewed unity,” saying PM designate Nawaf Salam should “swiftly” form a new government.
In a presidential statement unanimously adopted on Lebanon, the Council welcomed on Thursday the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, but it “expressed concern about the reported violations” in reference to ongoing Israeli attacks.
The Council “reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence in accordance with Council resolution 1701 (2006).”
The statement came as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Lebanon for meetings with top officials.
The Council welcomed the recent election of President Joseph Aoun and the designation of Salam as Prime Minister, describing the recent developments as “a long-awaited and critical step” to overcome Lebanon’s political and institutional crisis.
“It encouraged all parties in that country to demonstrate renewed unity and the new Lebanese authorities to swiftly form a government.”
Last week, the Security Council members held closed consultations on Lebanon to receive an update on the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement between Israel and Lebanon ahead of the expiry of the 60-day deadline outlined in the agreement for the Israeli army to withdraw south of the Blue Line and, in parallel, for the Lebanese military to deploy to positions south of the Litani river.
