Representatives from the International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG) expressed surprise on Thursday at political forces for ignoring repeated calls to refrain from impeding the formation of a new government.
One ambassador of a European country hinted that the international community would issue a negative position if the parties do not agree on a new cabinet in two weeks. However, the ambassador did not reveal the nature of such stance.
Another ambassador of a powerful state and member of the ISG, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat of international disappointment with the ongoing stalling in the cabinet formation process.
He attributed this stance to the parties’ “underestimation of the public position that UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis conveyed to President Michel Aoun concerning the need to quickly form a government in light of the deteriorating local situation and regional instability following tension between the US and Iran.”
The envoy explained that Kubis “broke his silence” when he realized that whenever he demanded the speeding up of the formation of the cabinet, new obstacles would emerge.
This prompted him to adopt a more severe tone by saying it was "increasingly irresponsible" to keep Lebanon without a government.
The ambassador said the ISG members urge political forces to relinquish what they consider as “their shares” in the cabinet lineup because the country cannot endure additional deterioration on the financial, social and economic levels.
The members have also accused ruling powers of failing to take into consideration the demands of the popular protests.
The ambassador was reportedly informed that Kubis’ remarks were interpreted as meddling in Lebanon’s internal affairs. However, the envoy explained that the Special Coordinator represents the United Nations, which is an ISG member.
The Support Group for Lebanon was created eight years ago to support the country on the political and security levels.
Last December 19, Hassan Diab, a little-known academic and former education minister, was designated Lebanon’s premier, vowing to form a government quickly to pull the country out of its economic crisis.
Diab came to power after Saad Hariri resigned from the post on October 29, nearly two weeks into a nationwide cross-sectarian protest movement demanding the removal of a political elite seen as corrupt and incompetent.
