Lebanon - Q&A (15 October 2021)

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Q: The situation in Lebanon is deteriorating. Parliamentary and presidential elections are slated to be held in the near future; might France take steps to establish a body to assist with and monitor the elections to guarantee the fundament respect for the voters’ choice?

A: France expresses its deep concern over yesterday’s violence which left several dead and many injured, in the context of the recent obstacles placed in the way of the smooth unfolding of the investigation into the explosion at the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020. It recalls its support for each phase of the Lebanese investigation and the importance it attributes to ensuring that the Lebanese justice system is able to work independently and impartially, without obstacles and with the full support of the Lebanese authorities.

France offers its condolences to the victims’ loved ones. It calls on all concerned parties to exercise calm. The priority must now go to implementing the urgent, necessary reforms that will enable Lebanon to end the crisis, especially in the energy sector.

The Lebanese government has also committed to holding transparent, impartial elections in 2022 under the established timetable, beginning with legislative elections. The Lebanese people must be able to express their aspirations in confidence, as part of a democratic process. France remains ready to support this process, along with its European partners.

France will continue to stand with the Lebanese people.