The European Union welcomed on Sunday the formation of a new government in Lebanon, urging it to implement reforms to address the country’s “multiple crises.”
“The political, economic and social crises in the country have deteriorated markedly in the last months and weeks, the existing severe difficulties for the Lebanese people having been further aggravated by crippling power and fuel shortages,” the EU said in a statement.
“It is a matter of urgency to implement the measures and reforms needed to address the multiple crises affecting Lebanon, including an agreement with the International Monetary Fund,” said the statement.
“This is what the new government must now focus on, with the active support of the parliament and other state institutions. All parties involved should show the same resolve and ability to compromise, to adopt without delay the measures needed to ensure that the immediate needs and further legitimate expectations of the Lebanese people are met.”
The statement also said preparations for the municipal, parliamentary and presidential elections next year must start in earnest and ensure that they are free, fair, and transparent.
EU Ambassador to Lebanon Ralph Tarraf tweeted on Saturday that the formation of Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s government presents opportunities to move ahead with measures and reforms to get the country out of its crisis.
The EU is “ready to support sustainable policies to improve the situation of Lebanese citizens,” he said.
