Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The European Union has warned strongly of the repercussions of the current developments in Lebanon on the country, and a European statement issued in Brussels today, Tuesday, said that on October 31, President Aoun's term ended. After four inconclusive rounds of parliamentary voting, no candidate has been elected and Lebanon's presidency is now vacant.
Since the last general election in May, no government has been formed. This political vacuum occurs at a time when Lebanon is facing a deteriorating social and economic situation. Institutional volatility combined with economic instability would pose grave risks to Lebanon and its people.
"The European Union once again calls on the Lebanese leadership to organize presidential elections and form a government as quickly as possible," the statement said.
In July 2022, the European Union renewed a sanctions framework that allows restrictive measures to be imposed on individuals or entities that prevent an exit from the Lebanese crisis.
The statement issued by the Office of the Foreign Relations Department indicated that in order to facilitate the disbursement of additional international financing and to reverse the deteriorating trend of the Lebanese economy, an exchange agreement must be reached with the International Monetary Fund. And the long-awaited major reforms must take place without further delay.
The statement concluded by saying, "The European Union remains committed to continuing to assist Lebanon and its people to move forward towards the recovery and stability they deserve. At the same time, the European Union urges the Lebanese leadership to face its responsibilities and take the necessary measures."