The members of the Security Councilwelcomed the announcement on 18December 2016 of the formation of a national unity government inLebanon, and congratulated Prime Minister Saad Hariri and his Cabinet.
They encouraged all of Lebanon’spolitical leaders to build on this momentum of national unity and to ensureLebanon’s ability to address the pressing security, economic, social andhumanitarian challenges facing the country.
The members of the Security Council stressedthe importance of the holding of parliamentary elections by May 2017, inaccordance with the Constitution, in order to sustain Lebanon’s democratictradition.
Themembers of the Security Council reaffirmed that the preservation of Lebanon’sstability is essential to regional stability and security. The members of theSecurity Council underscored their previous calls on all Lebanese parties torecommit to Lebanon’s policy of dissociation and to cease any involvement inthe Syrian crisis, consistent with their commitment in the Baabda declaration.They reaffirmed their strong support for the territorial integrity,sovereignty, and political independence of Lebanon, in accordance with resolutions1701 (2006), 1680 (2006), and 1559 (2004).
Themembers of the Security Council called on the international community,including international organizations, to ensure continued support to Lebanonin addressing the economic, security and humanitarian challenges facing thecountry. They reiterated their appreciation for the International Support Groupfor Lebanon and their support to the United Nations Special Coordinator forLebanon.
19December 2016