U.N. Advises 'Consensus on Way Forward' after Miqati's Resignation

U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly called on Tuesday for discussions among the country's political leaders “to reach consensus on the way forward” after Prime Minister Najib Miqati's resignation last week.

“We hope that all concerned will engage in a positive spirit to ensure that Lebanon is able to meet the challenges ahead,” said Plumbly following talks with Miqati at the Grand Serail.

He said U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed in a statement on Friday “the importance of all Lebanese working together with the institutions of the State to maintain calm and stability, to respect Lebanon’s policy of disassociation, and support the Lebanese Armed Forces and the security forces.”

“It is not a matter of worry but rather one of the importance of the necessary discussions taking place in order to reach consensus on the way forward,” he said in response to a question if the U.N. had concerns on the situation in Lebanon after Miqati's resignation.

Plumbly said the U.N. will continue to support preparations for the parliamentary elections that are set to be held in June.

“We welcome the continued efforts of Lebanon’s political leaders to reach consensus on an electoral law which would pave the way for free, fair and transparent elections in line with Lebanon’s constitutional and legal requirements,” he added.

Plumbly told reporters that he also discussed with Miqati other pressing challenges such as those in UNIFIL’s area of operations and joint efforts to address the pressing needs of the ever increasing number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

“These day to day challenges remain and I am confident that we can count on the continued close cooperation of the Prime Minister and of other ministers in meeting them,” he said.