S/PV.7799 Security Council

As this is the first public meeting of the Council for the month of November, I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation, for his service as President of the Council for the month of October. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Churkin and his delegation for the great diplomatic skill with which they conducted the Council’s business last month. Adoption of the agenda

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Lebanon to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its the agenda. After consultations among Council members, I have been authorized to make the following statement on their behalf: “The Security Council recalls all its previous resolutions and the statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon, including its statement of 22 July 2016 (S/PRST/2016/10). The Security Council reaffirms its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon, in accordance with resolutions 1701 (2006), 1680 (2006) and 1559 (2004). “The Security Council welcomes the election of the President of the Republic of Lebanon, Michel Aoun, in accordance with the Lebanese Constitution. The election is a long-awaited and critical step to overcome Lebanon’s political and institutional crisis. The Security Council urges the new President of the Republic of Lebanon and Lebanese leaders to build on their efforts thus far by continuing to work constructively to promote the country’s stability and by swiftly forming a Government. “The Security Council stresses that the formation of a Unity Government and the election of a parliament by May 2017, in accordance with the Constitution, are critical for Lebanon’s stability and resilience to withstand regional challenges. The Security Council encourages all parties in Lebanon to demonstrate renewed unity and determination to that end, in order to ensure Lebanon’s ability to address the growing security, economic, social and humanitarian challenges facing the country. “The Security Council affirms that the preservation of Lebanon’s stability is essential to regional stability and security. The Security Council underscores its previous calls on all Lebanese parties to recommit to Lebanon’s policy of dissociation and to cease any involvement in the Syrian crisis, consistent with their commitment in the Baabda Declaration. “The Security Council commends Prime Minister Tammam Salam for his leadership throughout the difficult period and his efforts to enable the Government to function effectively without a President. The Security Council further commends Speaker Nabih Berri for his efforts at fostering continued dialogue among all Lebanese parties. “The Security Council expresses its appreciation for the International Support Group for Lebanon and calls on the international community, including international organizations, to ensure continued support to Lebanon in addressing the economic, security and humanitarian challenges facing the country. The Security Council reiterates its support to the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and encourages her to pursue her good offices role in this crucial period for Lebanon, in close coordination with the International Support Group.” This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2016/15.