Shea: Every day without government is a day in which already dire situation slides further into humanitarian catastrophe

US ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea said on Monday that “every day that goes by without an empowered government in Lebanon that is committed to and able to implement urgently needed reforms is a day in which the already dire situation slides further into a humanitarian catastrophe.”

Shea’s comments were made from the Baabda Presidential Palace after meeting with President Michel Aoun.

“Earlier today, I met with Prime Minister-designate [Najib] Mikati and we discussed the status of Lebanese efforts to form a government quickly and I just now concluded a meeting with his Excellency President Aoun in which we discussed the same topic,” she added.
 
Shea reiterated “the absolute urgency of the situation,” saying that the Lebanese people are suffering.

“The economy and basic services have reached the precipice of collapse,” she stressed.

On another note, Shea urged those who continue to block government formation and reforms “to put aside their partisan interests.”

“We welcomed the European Union’s sanctions framework on accountability and reforms in Lebanon and the United States will continue to coordinate with our partners  on appropriate measures,” Shea concluded by saying.