Security Council Press Statement on Lebanon

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mark Lyall Grant (United Kingdom):

The members of the Security Council condemned the attacks by violent extremist groups against the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces in the area of Arsal, Lebanon, beginning on 2 August 2014, which led to at least 14 deaths, 86 injured, and 22 missing among the Lebanese security forces, in addition to civilian casualties.  They extended their condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the Government of Lebanon.

The members of the Security Council expressed support for the efforts of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces in their fight against terrorism and in preventing attempts to undermine the stability of Lebanon and they reiterated the need to further efforts to build up the capabilities of the Lebanese security forces to counter terrorism and address other security challenges.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for the Government of Lebanon to discharge its duties during this interim period in accordance with the Constitution, until the election of the new President.  They also urged the Parliament to uphold Lebanon’s long standing democratic tradition and to work to ensure that presidential elections take place without further delay.

Recalling the Security Council Presidential Statement of 10 July 2013, they appealed to all Lebanese parties to preserve national unity in the face of attempts to undermine the country’s stability, consistent with their commitment in the Baabda Declaration, and stressed the importance for all Lebanese parties to respect Lebanon’s policy of disassociation and to refrain from any involvement in the Syrian crisis.

The members of the Security Council also stressed that effective implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and all other relevant Security Council resolutions remains crucial to ensuring stability in Lebanon and full respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence.