Lebanon: Ban lauds formation of national unity government

11 July 2008 – Secretary-General today welcomed the announcement of the formation of a national unity Government in Lebanon, a key step called for in the agreement reached in late May ending the protracted political stand-off in the country.

Mr. Ban “believes that this important event reflects Lebanon's continuing emergence from the political crisis and the revitalisation of its constitutional institutions,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

Following the agreement reached by Lebanese leaders in May in the Qatari capital Doha, the Lebanese Parliament elected Michel Suleiman as the country's President, ending a constitutional void that has endured since last November.

“The Secretary-General urges the Lebanese to continue working for the full implementation of the Doha Accord,” the statement added.

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