The United Nations Security Council chambers, at the organization's headquarters in New York. (Credit: United Nations Security Council website)
BEIRUT — The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday called in a unanimous statement for "the rapid formation of a new inclusive government" in Lebanon after its parliamentary elections took place on May 15.
Here’s what we know:
• In a statement, the UN also called for reforms including the adoption of a budget for 2022, and said that these steps would allow "the rapid conclusion of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund.” The text of the resolution also underlined the need for the expected measures to strengthen "the full, equal and meaningful political participation and representation of women, including within the new government.”
• The Security Council also emphasized "the need for a rapid conclusion of an independent, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation into the explosions that struck Beirut on August 4, 2020, essential to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Lebanese people for accountability and justice."
• On Monday, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he was "impatiently awaiting the rapid formation of an inclusive government.”
• The new Parliament has to elect its head, a position held since 1992 by Amal Movement leader Nabih Berry.