The International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG) deplored the fact that Lebanon has still not elected a president “after twelve inconclusive electoral sessions”, and called on political leaders and MPs “to assume their responsibilities and prioritize the national interest by electing a new president without further delay”.
In a statement on Friday, the ISG said: “ After eight months with neither a president nor a fully functioning government, the ISG is deeply concerned that the current political stalemate is exacerbating the erosion of state institutions and undermining Lebanon’s ability to address the country’s pressing socioeconomic, financial, security and humanitarian challenges“.
It added: “For the sake of the Lebanese people and the stability of the country, the ISG urges the political leadership and Members of Parliament to assume their responsibilities and prioritize the national interest by electing a new President without further delay”.
“ Any continuation of the unsustainable status quo will only further prolong and complicate Lebanon’s recovery and compound the hardships faced by the people,” noted the ISG, which brings together the United Nations, China, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the European Union and the Arab League.
“The ISG urges the authorities to expedite the adoption and implementation of a comprehensive and inclusive reform agenda to put the country on a path to recovery and sustainable development”, according to the statement, which underlines that the ISG “will continue to stand alongside Lebanon and the Lebanese”.
The ISG was launched in September 2013 by the Secretary General of the United Nations with former President Michel Sleiman to help mobilize support and assistance for the stability and sovereignty of Lebanon and its public institutions.
