Brussels, 17/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 15 February, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton congratulated Lebanon's Prime Minister Salam Tammam on the formation of the new Lebanese government, “after difficult negotiations and following the strong engagement of President Michel Suleiman”. Welcoming the government formation, Ashton considered it “a key step in Lebanon's efforts to tackle effectively the extraordinary security, economic and political challenges the country is facing, in particular the unprecedented refugee influx”. Paying tribute to the outgoing government, Ashton said she looks forward to “an intensive and productive cooperation” with the new government.
Ashton hoped that the new government “will renew strong and proactive governance in all sectors, maintaining peace and security in Lebanon including by the reassertion of a policy of dissociation from the Syrian conflict, upholding the spirit of the Baabda Declaration and the culture of dialogue, complying with its international obligations, and ensuring the continuity of Lebanon's institutions by the timely preparation and execution of this year's elections in accordance with the Constitution”.
The EU will continue to contribute to meeting Lebanon's growing needs in the face of the current challenges, and to support the implementation of its reform agenda, Ashton added.
The composition of the new Lebanese government was revealed on 15 February after ten months of blockage. This compromise government brings together the Shiite Hezbollah movement - which inherits, inter alia, the post of foreign affairs minister - the 14 March coalition of the former Sunni prime minister Saad Hariri, and those close to the president. (CG/transl.fl)