SG/SM/18379

Secretary-General Welcomes Newly Formed Government in Lebanon, Encourages Political Leaders to Build on Momentum of National Unity

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes today’s announcement of the formation of a new Government of national accord in Lebanon.  He congratulates Prime Minister Saad Hariri on the swift process and encourages Lebanon’s political leaders to build on the momentum of national unity.  The Secretary-General pays tribute to outgoing Prime Minister Tammam Salam for his leadership.

The Secretary-General hopes that the new Government will ensure that the country’s forthcoming parliamentary election is successfully conducted within the time frame set by the Constitution.

The United Nations looks forward to working with the new Government to continue to address political, security and humanitarian challenges, improve socioeconomic prospects, and ensure the effective implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and other relevant resolutions, which remain essential to the stability of Lebanon and the region.

For information media. Not an official record.