Written answers

Thursday, 20 January 2011

Department of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Conflicts

5:00 am

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the implications for regional stability of the recent collapse of the ruling coalition of the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2877/11]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is closely following events in the Lebanon following the collapse of the Government of National Unity on 12 January. The current crisis in the Lebanon has serious implications, not only for Lebanon itself to which, subject to securing the necessary Dáil approval, it is hoped to dispatch a contingent from the Defence Forces to serve with UNIFIL II in the coming months, but also for the region and for the prospects of achieving a comprehensive peace agreement to the Israeli-Arab conflict. It is therefore vital that a new government commanding broad support is formed as quickly as possible, in a calm, peaceful and constitutional manner.

I understand that Lebanese President Michel Suleiman will initiate in coming days a process of parliamentary consultations regarding a new government. At the end of this process, it is expected that a new Prime Minister designate will be appointed, who will then begin the task of forming a new coalition. During this process, Saad Hariri will continue to act as 'caretaker' Prime Minister. The international community is actively working to assist Lebanese political leaders in their work to form a new government. The EU, through a statement issued by High Representative Ashton on 12 January, has called on all political actors in Lebanon to work constructively to seek a negotiated solution to the current situation. The leaders of Syria, Qatar and Turkey met in Damascus on 17 January to discuss the crisis and try to seek a way forward. In the meantime, interim Prime Minister Saad Hariri has the full support of Ireland, together with our EU partners. The situation in Lebanon will be discussed at the next EU Foreign Affairs council on 31 January.

I urge all Lebanese political parties to work together peacefully, to respect the results of the 2009 election, and to follow the constitutional process to form a new government. It is also worth underlining that the work of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon was initiated by the UN Security Council under Chapter VII and will continue, notwithstanding the current difficulties in Lebanon. Ireland and the EU continue to support strongly the work of the Special Tribunal and its independent investigations, aimed at promoting international justice and contributing to end impunity and promote stability within Lebanon and the region.

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