UN chief welcomes new Lebanese government
Updated: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
12:30GMT—7:30AM/EST
Washington, 10 November (WashingtonTV)—United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday welcomed the formation of a national unity government in Lebanon, and urged it to commit to a UN resolution which calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah.
In a statement, Ban urged the new government to “recommit to the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701,” which ended the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006 and requires the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon.
Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad al-Hariri on Monday formed a national unity government, after more than four months of negotiations with his rivals, led by Hezbollah.
The 30-member cabinet includes 15 ministers from Hariri’s bloc and 10 from the opposition, including two Hezbollah ministers, reports the BBC.
The UN chief also voiced hope “that Lebanese political leaders will continue to work together in a spirit of unity, dialogue and cooperation.”
Sources: United Nations website, BBC News
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