Int'l Support Group urges Lebanon to 'form a government quickly'

The International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG) has called on all political actors in Lebanon to "form a government quickly," after Najib Mikati was named PM-designate.

"With the severe economic and social challenges it faces, Lebanon and its citizens cannot afford political deadlocks. The ISG also emphasizes that it is important to adhere to the constitutional calendar in order for the presidential election to take place on time," it said in a statement.

Accordingly, the ISG urged Lebanese stakeholders, including executive and legislative authorities, to "work quickly on the swift formation of a government that can implement important outstanding reforms in order to relieve the suffering of the Lebanese people."

"In particular, the authorities must deliver on commitments made in the 7 April staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including budget laws, capital control, banking secrecy, banking resolution, government and central bank decisions on banking resolution and exchange rate unification, to lay a solid basis for socio-economic relief and a sustainable recovery of Lebanon," the ISG added.

"This is best achieved through an agreement with the IMF, supported by the international donors’ community," it went on to say, while stressing that it "continues to stand by Lebanon and its people."

The International Support Group has brought together the U.N. and the governments of China, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, the UK and the U.S., together with the EU and the Arab League. It was launched in September 2013 by the U.N. Secretary-General with former President Michel Suleiman to help mobilize support and assistance for Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and state institutions.