EU Calls on Lebanon to Seize Chance to Elect President
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The European Union Ambassador to Lebanon Christina Lassen said that Lebanon has a chance to decide its fate in the election of a new president on Oct. 31.
In an interview with the pan-Arab newspaper Al-Hayat published Tuesday, Lassen called on Lebanese to seize the opportunity of electing a new head of state next Monday, saying it is important for the EU that the work of Lebanon’s state institutions is resumed, the Daily Star reported.
“There is no doubt that Lebanon, like other states and perhaps more is affected by what is happening in its surroundings, but at the same time, many of us who work in foreign affairs believe that Lebanon is facing a chance that will determine its fate...” she said.
The EU envoy said that she believes recent efforts to end the more than two-year vacuum have shown that the presidential issue can be solved on a national level.
Lassen’s comments come only a week before the Parliament is set to hold a session to elect a president, and days after former Prime Minister Saad Hariri backed MP Michel Aoun for president in an effort to end the political deadlock.
“We look forward to the election [of a president] on the 31st and for the formation of a government quickly, and we hope that the local challenges faced by Lebanon will be overcome,” she added.
Lebanon has been without a president since the term of Michel Sleiman ended in May 2014.
Lassen said that with a president and the formation of a new government, the EU will be able to do more to help Lebanon deal with its many crises.
