Security Council Calls for Swift Formation of New Government in Lebanon

The UN Security Council. File photo
The UN Security Council. File photo
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Security Council Calls for Swift Formation of New Government in Lebanon

The UN Security Council. File photo
The UN Security Council. File photo

The 15 members of the UN Security Council called on Wednesday for the quick formation of a new inclusive government in Lebanon and the urgent implementation of previously outlined tangible reforms, including the swift adoption of an appropriate budget for 2022.

The swift formation of a new cabinet “would enable the quick conclusion of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to respond to the demands of the Lebanese population,” according to the text of the statement, which was drafted by France.

The members also stressed the role of the Lebanese institutions, including the newly elected Parliament, in the implementation of the reforms necessary to tackle the unprecedented crisis.

They underlined the importance of delivering those reforms in order to ensure effective international support.

Moreover, they encouraged measures to enhance women’s full, equal and meaningful political participation and representation, including in the new government.

Council members stressed once again the need for a swift conclusion of an independent, impartial, thorough, and transparent investigation into the explosion that struck Beirut on August 4, 2020, which is essential to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Lebanese people for accountability and justice.

One day after the Lebanese parliamentary elections were held on May 15, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called on Lebanon to form an “inclusive government” to tackle the country's economic crisis.

The UN chief said he looked forward to the swift formation of an inclusive government that can finalize the agreement with the IMF and accelerate the implementation of reforms necessary to set Lebanon on the path to recovery.

Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies have lost their majority in Lebanon's parliament, a major blow to the armed group that reflects anger with Lebanon's ruling elite.

The new Lebanese Parliament should now elect a parliamentary speaker. Hezbollah’s ally, Speaker Nabih Berri has held the position since 1992.



Israel Intercepts Missile from Yemen, Military Says

A Houthi supporter carries a mock missile as others wave the flags of Palestine (R) and Yemen (L) during a protest in Sanaa, Yemen, 17 March 2025 against US airstrikes on Houthi positions. (EPA)
A Houthi supporter carries a mock missile as others wave the flags of Palestine (R) and Yemen (L) during a protest in Sanaa, Yemen, 17 March 2025 against US airstrikes on Houthi positions. (EPA)
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Israel Intercepts Missile from Yemen, Military Says

A Houthi supporter carries a mock missile as others wave the flags of Palestine (R) and Yemen (L) during a protest in Sanaa, Yemen, 17 March 2025 against US airstrikes on Houthi positions. (EPA)
A Houthi supporter carries a mock missile as others wave the flags of Palestine (R) and Yemen (L) during a protest in Sanaa, Yemen, 17 March 2025 against US airstrikes on Houthi positions. (EPA)

The Israeli military said on Tuesday it had intercepted a projectile launched from Yemen that crossed into Israeli territory.

Sirens had earlier sounded in several areas of Israel.

The Iran-backed Houthi group has repeatedly fired drones and missiles towards Israel in what it has described as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The firing of the projectile came after Israel resumed airstrikes against targets in Gaza that killed more than 400 people, according to Palestinian health authorities, in an onslaught that ended weeks of relative calm after talks to secure a permanent ceasefire stalled.