Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on the government formation in Lebanon

Brussels, 16 February 2014

140215/01

STATEMENT

by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the government

formation in Lebanon

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and

Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"I congratulate Prime Minister Tammam Salam on the formation of the new Lebanese

government, after difficult negotiations and following the strong engagement of President

Michel Suleiman. I warmly welcome the government formation, a key step in Lebanon’s

efforts to tackle effectively the extraordinary security, economic and political challenges the

country is facing, in particular the unprecedented refugee influx.

I trust that the new government will renew strong and proactive governance in all sectors,

maintaining peace and security in Lebanon including by the reassertion of a policy of

dissociation from the Syrian conflict, upholding the spirit of the Baabda Declaration and the

culture of dialogue, complying with its international obligations, and ensuring the continuity

of Lebanon’s institutions by the timely preparation and execution of this year’s elections in

accordance with the Constitution.

The EU will continue to contribute to meeting Lebanon’s growing needs in the face of the

current challenges, and to support the implementation of its reform agenda. The EU is

steadfast in its commitment to the unity, stability, independence, sovereignty and territorial

integrity of Lebanon.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 584 9780- [email protected] @EUHighRepSpox

Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - [email protected] @AshtonSpox_Maja

Sebastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98 - [email protected]

Nabila Massrali +32 460 75 41 75 – [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter @eu_eeas

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www.eeas.europa.eu

I pay tribute to the outgoing Prime Minister Mikati and his ministers and I look forward to an

intensive and productive cooperation with Prime Minister Salam and his government.”

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بيان الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون حول تشكيل الحكومة اللبنانية، يدعو إلى سياسة النأي بالنفس عن الصراع السوري وفق إعلان بعبدا.