UN Security Council plans to endorse Lebanon's political agreement

UN Security Council plans to endorse Lebanon's political agreementNew York  - The UN Security Council discussed Thursday a draft statement that would give strong support to an agreement reached this week by Lebanese parties to end 18 months of political impasse.

The draft written by France sought UN endorsement of the agreement reached on Wednesday in Doha because it "constitutes an essential step towards the resolution of the current crisis, the return to the normal functioning of Lebanese democratic institutions and the complete restoration of Lebanon's unity, stability and independence."

It would welcome "the ban on the use of weapons and violence as a means to settle disputes, irrespective of their nature and under any circumstances."

The agreement by the Lebanese parties was intended to break the impasse on the election of the president of Lebanon, a post that has been left vacant since November when then President Emile Lahout stepped down as his term had already expired.

The draft under discussion would call on the Lebanese parties to implement the agreement worked out with the help of the League of Arab States in accordance with previous agreements and UN resolutions.

The draft also will reaffim Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Diplomats in the 15-nation council discussed the draft and planned to issue it once it has received agreement from all members.

On Wednesday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon praised the agreement and voiced the hope that the agreement will be "the prelude to a lasting period of national reconciliation, political stability, peace and progress for all of Lebanon's people and for the future of their country."

He said the UN looks forward to the early election of a new Lebanese president and the formation of a National Unity Government.

He thanked the "crucial efforts" of Qatar and the League of Arab States for helping the Lebanese reach the settlement. (dpa)

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