ISG Stresses 'Utmost Urgency' for Forming New Govt. in Lebanon

The international Support Group for Lebanon has expressed its "deep regrets" over the loss of life and injuries resulting from the explosion of a fuel tanker in the Akkar province on August 15.

"This tragic incident occurred in the context of acute fuel shortages now affecting Lebanon, with severe repercussions for essential services, including electricity provision, public health, public water supply, as well as businesses and livelihoods," the ISG said in a statement.

It added that this "fast-accelerating crisis" underscores "the utmost urgency of forming a government capable of taking the situation in hand, meeting the immediate needs of the people of Lebanon, initiating the needed reforms, and paving the way for international support."

"The ISG calls on all parties to work towards this end without any further delay," it said.

The ISG also vowed that it will continue to "stand by Lebanon and its people."

The International Support Group has brought together the United Nations and the governments of China, France, Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States, together with the European Union and the Arab League. It was launched in September 2013 by the U.N. Secretary-General with former President Michel Suleiman to help mobilize support and assistance for Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and state institutions.