Brussels, 11/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - The EU has welcomed the formation, of a national unity government in Lebanon, the Swedish Presidency of the Council of Ministers says on a statement issued on 10 November. It hails the successful holding of parliamentary elections on 7 June as “an important step in the democratic development of the country” and calls for continued dialogue.
The EU “encourages the new Lebanese government to carry out necessary political and economic reforms” and restates its “full support for Lebanon, its people and institutions”. The Presidency says that if “Lebanon and the region as a whole” is to achieve stability all parties have to continue the national dialogue that preceded the elections.
It is important, European High Representative for the Common Foreign Policy Javier Solana says in a similar message on 10 November, that Lebanon has “a strong, effective government as it faces the various challenges ahead”. (F.B./transl.rt)