By NNN-KUNA,
United Nations : The Security Council is scheduled to discuss and issue a French-drafted presidential statement Thursday welcoming and strongly supporting the agreement reached Wednesday by Lebanese leaders in Doha, Qatar, under the Arab League auspices.
The council would consider the agreement an “essential step” towards the resolution of the Lebanese current crisis, the return to the normal functioning of Lebanese democratic institutions, and the complete restoration of Lebanon’s unity, stability and, independence.
It would also welcome the agreement to ban the use of weapons and violence as a means to settle disputes, irrespective of their nature and under any circumstances.
It would further welcome the agreement to elect a President of the Republic, to establish a national unity cabinet, and to address Lebanon’s electoral law, in accordance with the Arab League Initiative, as well as the decision to continue the national dialogue on ways to reinforce the authority of the state over all its territory, in such a way to guarantee the safety of the state and the people of Lebanon.
It would call for the implementation of this agreement in its entirety, in accordance with the Arab League initiative, and in conformity with the Taef agreement and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, in particular 1559 of 2004 and 1680 and 1701 of 2006.
It would commend the efforts of the Arab League, in particular the committee of Foreign Ministers, under the leadership of Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani, and Secretary-General Amr Moussa, in helping Lebanese leaders reach this agreement.
The council would finally reaffirm its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, unity, and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders and under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon over all Lebanese territory.
The draft text may be amended by any council member before issue.