Fletcher Meets Miqati, Hopes Political Factions Agree on Electoral Law to Hold Polls on Time
British Ambassador to Lebanon Tom Fletcher welcomed on Wednesday efforts among various Lebanese political parties to reach an agreement over a new parliamentary electoral law.
He said: “I welcomed ongoing and constructive efforts to secure agreement on a new electoral law. But the clock is ticking - it is important that the constitutional timetable is respected.”
He made his remarks after holding talks with Prime Minister Najib Miqati at the Grand Serail.
“It is for the Lebanese people to decide how they elect their leaders, and Lebanon is strongest when it is united, diverse and stable,” added the ambassador.
Talks with the premier also addressed the case of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
Fletcher said: “Britain has great admiration for the way that the Lebanese people have opened their homes and their hearts to help the victims of the crisis in Syria. But you cannot shoulder this burden alone.”
He revealed that “Britain will be announcing today a further sizable contribution to the vital United Nations effort.”
“Words of concern are not sufficient. The international community must put its money where its mouth is. We will,” he declared.
On the impact the Syrian crisis is having on Lebanon, he stressed that “Britain will play its part in a determined and persistent international effort to ensure that Lebanon remains stable through political efforts, through practical support to the army, and through our solidarity with the Lebanese people.”
Miqati had also held separate talks with Minister of State for Administrative Reform Mohammed Fneish and General Prosecutor Judge Hatem Madi.
The number of refugees in Lebanon has crossed 200,000, with President Michel Suleiman urging a Kuwait donor conference on Wednesday to provide Lebanon with $370 million assistance for them.
The government has approved a $370 million comprehensive plan for the refugees - $180 for Lebanese state institutions and $190 for international agencies, he told the International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria held in Kuwait.
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