The activities of the Quintet Committee for Lebanon concluded today, Monday, in the Qatari capital, Doha, with the participation of representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United States, Qatar, and French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, who had previously visited Lebanon and then Saudi Arabia. The five countries emphasized in their final statement their commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty and independence, and urged Lebanese parliament members to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities by electing a president for the country.
The countries discussed specific options regarding taking measures against those obstructing progress in this area. They believed that Lebanon must elect a president who embodies integrity, unites the nation, prioritizes the country's interests, focuses on the welfare of its citizens, and forms a broad and inclusive coalition to implement essential economic reforms, particularly those recommended by the International Monetary Fund. They stressed their readiness to work with Lebanon to support the implementation of these necessary reform measures to achieve the country's prosperity, stability, and future security.
Egypt, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United States also underscored the urgent need for judicial reform and the application of the rule of law, especially concerning the investigation into the Beirut port explosion in 2020. They strongly urged Lebanese leaders and parties to take immediate action to overcome the current political stalemate. The importance of the Lebanese government implementing United Nations Security Council decisions and related international agreements, including those issued by the Arab League, was highlighted, as was the commitment to the National Accord Document, which ensures the preservation of national unity and civil justice in Lebanon.
Qatar’s foreign affairs representative, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khalifi, confirmed that this meeting was held to find mechanisms to assist Lebanon in "overcoming the state of political paralysis and addressing its economic crisis, based on our humanitarian duty and recognizing Lebanon's importance in its Arab and international environment." He stressed that solutions can only come from the Lebanese themselves in line with the aspirations of the Lebanese people for development and progress.
Minister Al Khalifi stated that having a comprehensive vision to revive Lebanon’s economic situation is urgent. He expressed hope to continue working and following up on the efforts made in the first meeting in Paris, and to find additional solutions and mechanisms that enable Lebanon to emerge from these crises while preserving its sovereignty and independence.
Le Drian had met with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, during which they reviewed the collaborative relations between the two countries and the latest developments in the region, especially in Lebanon, according to Qatari News Agency "QNA".
**American Warnings**
Washington had also warned that the U.S. administration is considering imposing sanctions on Lebanese officials for their continued obstruction of the election of a new president, indicating that the paralysis in institutions would only exacerbate the political crisis in Lebanon.
