Lebanon - Statement by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs spokesperson (16 July 2021)
France notes the decision by Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri to give up on forming a government. This latest development confirms the political deadlock in which Lebanese leaders have deliberately been keeping the country for months, at the very time when it is plunging into an unprecedented economic and social crisis.
Today it is absolutely urgent to overcome this organized and unacceptable obstruction and for a government to be formed in Lebanon. This requires the immediate launch of parliamentary consultations with a view to the appointment of a new prime minister as quickly as possible.
This government must be in a position to embark on the priority reforms that the situation demands. It must also set to work on preparing the 2022 elections, which will have to be held transparently, impartially and in accordance with the timetable set.
To meet the needs of the Lebanese people, whose situation is deteriorating every day, a new international conference of support for the Lebanese population will be organized for 4 August on the initiative of the French President, with the United Nations’ support.