Brussels, 26/05/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Sunday 24 May, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini called, on behalf of the European Union, on “all political forces” of Lebanon to take “decisive” action to elect a new President of the Republic.
“The EU calls on all Members of the Parliament to uphold Lebanon's long-standing democratic tradition and to convene to elect a President without further delay in line with the Constitution”, the High Representative adds in a press release.
“It is crucial that all parties uphold the Constitution and fully implement the Taef Agreement (Ed: the 1989 agreement which ended the civil war) and the National Pact”, she stressed, reiterating the importance of dialogue between all political forces in order to “overcome this deepening crisis”.
President Michel Sleiman left office on 25 May 2014. The Parliament has tried on 23 separate occasions to elect a new head of state, but has failed each time to gather the necessary quorum of two thirds of the 128 members for the vote.
“This protracted presidential vacuum poses serious risks for the country as a whole. It has undermined the functioning of all institutions and Lebanon's ability to address the difficult security, social and economic challenges facing the country”, Mogherini said. The EU reiterates its support to Prime Minister Salam Tammam “in his efforts to govern the country in such difficult times”.
“The EU calls for a renewed commitment to the disassociation policy by all political parties, putting the interests of Lebanon on and its stability first”, she adds, stressing the EU's commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Lebanon, the stability of which continues to be affected by the war in Syria.
The EU also commends the Lebanese authorities and the people of the country for their “generous efforts” to host, assist and protect the refugees fleeing the Syrian conflict.
“The EU stands by Lebanon on in its efforts to address these extraordinary challenges (…). Our commitment in support of Lebanon is firm and lasting”, the High Representative concludes. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)