The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, expressed great disappointment regarding the decision of Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri to withdraw from forming the new Lebanese government. Aboul Gheit stated in press remarks from New York, where he is participating in a Security Council session on Libya, that he believes the repercussions of Hariri's resignation could be dangerous for Lebanon's future situation.
The Secretary-General pledged that the Arab League would continue to monitor the situation in Lebanon and extend support during this critical juncture in its modern history. He urged the international community to continue assisting the Lebanese people in this delicate circumstance.
Aboul Gheit emphasized that the responsibility for the failure and obstruction in reaching political consensus is now well-known to all; however, fairness also necessitates holding all Lebanese politicians accountable for leading Lebanon to this deteriorated state, which the resilient and persevering Lebanese people do not deserve. He stressed the necessity for all parties to commit to the Taif Agreement, both in letter and spirit, as the foundation for the political process in Lebanon.
