Following the U.S. embassy's statement yesterday regarding the conclusions of the Quintet committee after consultations with parliamentary blocs, ambassadors reiterated today in a statement from the French embassy the "tragic situation facing the Lebanese people, after more than eighteen months of vacancy in the presidency in Lebanon."
The French embassy confirmed in its statement that "the delay in implementing crucial reforms on the economic front and social stability in Lebanon cannot be tolerated. Lebanon cannot wait another month," pointing out that "the country needs a president, and it deserves a president who can unite the nation, prioritize the welfare of its citizens, and form a wide and inclusive coalition to restore political stability and implement necessary economic reforms."
The statement from the French embassy added: "Electing a president is also essential to ensure Lebanon's place at the table of regional discussions and to agree on a future diplomatic deal concerning Lebanon's southern borders."
The statement noted that "the ambassadors of the Quintet concluded last month their meetings with the main political blocs in Lebanon to discuss the ongoing presidential vacancy. The discussions showed that the political blocs unanimously agree on the urgent need to elect a president and are willing to contribute to renewing efforts to achieve this goal by the end of May 2024 for some."
In the statement, the Quintet ambassadors viewed that "limited and timely consultations among the political blocs are necessary to end the current political deadlock. These consultations should aim solely to identify a widely agreed-upon candidate or a shortlist of presidential candidates. Once these consultations are concluded, parliament members will head to an open electoral session in parliament, which will involve several rounds until a new president is elected."
They also called on "Lebanese parliamentarians to conduct consultations and fulfill their constitutional responsibility to elect a president for the republic."
The French embassy statement emphasized that "the Quintet ambassadors reaffirm their commitment to respecting Lebanon's sovereignty and constitution and to continuing their sincere and impartial efforts to help Lebanon emerge from its current crises and restore its political and economic health. They express their readiness to observe and facilitate the proposed political consultations, alongside the ongoing initiatives and efforts by all Lebanese parties, including the Moderation Bloc."
