Report Says ISG Statement on Elections and Security is 'Last Warning' to Lebanon

The statement that was issued Wednesday by the International Support Group for Lebanon was “the last warning” to the country, diplomatic sources have said.

It was issued out of fear of a possible delay of the support programs that were launched in New York in 2013 by then-U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon and then-President Michel Suleiman, An Nahar newspaper quoted the sources as saying.

The programs are aimed at rallying support for Lebanon to help it cope with the repercussions of the Syrian crisis.

In their statement, the Members of the International Support Group encouraged all Lebanese parties to “arrive at an early compromise, which would present an appropriate electoral framework for Lebanon.”

“The timely conduct of peaceful and transparent parliamentary elections are an important step to preserve Lebanon’s democratic tradition, and to meet the aspirations of the Lebanese people,” the ISG added, noting that the ISG Members “stand ready to provide support.”

The ISG Members also reaffirmed “their commitment to the stability and security of Lebanon.”

The statement was issued days after U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag tweeted that U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 is “vital for Lebanon's stability and security” and that it “calls for disarmament of all armed groups.”

The tweet came after remarks by President Michel Aoun that defended Hizbullah's arms as necessary to deter Israel.

Lebanon's Foreign Ministry summoned Kaag over the tweet, although the U.N. official clarified that it was not in response to Aoun's statements.

The ISG Members had repeatedly stressed the importance of Lebanon's continued commitment to the Baabda Declaration and U.N. resolutions, especially UNSCR 1701. They have also issued repeated calls on the need to hold timely parliamentary elections in May 2017.