Statement / by the President of the Security Council

Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 5799th meeting, 11 Dec. 2007, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in the Middle East"]

Stresses deep concern at the repeated postponements of the presidential election in Lebanon; emphasizes that the ongoing political impasse does not serve the interest of the Lebanese people and may lead to further deterioration of the situation in Lebanon; reiterates its call for the holding, without delay, of a free and fair presidential election in conformity with Lebanese constitutional rules, without any foreign interference or influence, and with full respect for democratic institutions; emphasizes the importance of Lebanese constitutional institutions, including the Government of Lebanon, as well as the importance of the unity of the Lebanese people, in particular on the basis of reconciliation and political dialogue; calls upon all Lebanese political parties to continue to exercise restraint and to show responsibility with a view to preventing, through dialogue, further deterioration of the situation in Lebanon; reiterates its call for the full implementation of all its resolutions on Lebanon.

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