On Thursday evening, 31 January, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, welcomed the formation of the new Lebanese government after eight months of negotiations.
"After months of intensive negotiations following the May elections, it is very welcome news that the Prime Minister-designate, Saad Hariri, in close consultation with President Aoun, was able to reach a consensus among all parties on the formation of a government", she said in a statement. According to the High Representative, this is a "positive step that is of crucial importance for Lebanon’s stability".
Ms Mogherini warned that the Lebanese people and the international community have high expectations of the new government, "whose success will depend on its ability to meet the challenges the country faces, particularly by adopting the necessary institutional, economic and social reforms".
The new government, led by Saad Hariri, has 30 members, including 4 women. It must now complete its general policy statement within a constitutional deadline in 30 days.
The EU will continue to work closely with the new government and ensure close coordination to implement mutual commitments in the fundamental areas of security, economic recovery and combating the consequences of the Syrian conflict, Mogherini stressed. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)