UN Security Council welcomes Cabinet formation

Members of the United Nations Security Council welcomed the formation of the national unity Cabinet in Lebanon, and the appointment of four female ministers.

In a statement issued on Friday night, the members encouraged the Lebanese authorities to deploy more efforts to guarantee the full and effective participation of women in politics.

The Council also congratulated Prime Minister Saad Hariri and the Cabinet, reiterating its firm support to Lebanon’s stability, security, territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence.

The members also called on all Lebanese parties to implement a policy disassociating themselves from any external conflicts “as an important priority.”

They noted to the importance of implementing the relevant Security Council resolutions and previous commitments that require the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, so that no weapons would exist except in the hands of the Lebanese state, stressing that the Lebanese army is the sole legitimate armed force for Lebanon, and that according to the Lebanese Constitution and the Taef Agreement.

On another note, members of the UN Security Council stressed the importance of the new government's engagement to pledges made during the International Conference in Support of Lebanon, the International Conference to Support Development and Reform in Lebanon and the Rome Conference 2.

The Council concluded by encouraging the Lebanese Cabinet to commit to its pledges to fighting corruption and strengthening the governance and accountability, including the management of public funds.