Ashton calls for inclusive new Lebanese government (Roundup)

Feb 16, 2011, 14:30 GMT

Beirut - The European Union's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, wrapped up a visit to Lebanon on Wednesday by calling on its leaders to form a consensus government that respects the country's international obligations.

'I encouraged all political leaders to facilitate the formation of a representative government in a spirit of consensus ­ built on justice, stability and deep democracy, which must be reinforced in the interests of the Lebanese people,' Ashton said at a press conference at Beirut's International Airport before heading to Jordan.

'In addition, I encouraged them to guarantee Lebanon's commitment to abide with its constitution and with its international obligations. All UN Security Council Resolutions count and need to be abided by, including those related to the Special Tribunal (STL) for Lebanon,' Ashton said.

Ashton was referring to UN Security Council resolution 1701, which helped end hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, in 2006, and to Lebanon's obligation towards a UN-backed tribunal which is probing the 2005 assassination of former premier Rafik Hariri.

During her three-hour visit to Lebanon, the EU's top diplomat met with Prime Minister-designate Nagib Mikati, Lebanese President Michel Suleiman and House Speaker Nabih Berri.

During his talks with Ashton, Mikati confirmed his intention of respecting UN resolutions. He also vowed to preserve security in south Lebanon, where United Nations Interim Forces (UNIFIL) are monitoring a fragile ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

Mikati is still struggling to form a new cabinet after the western-backed coalition led by former premier Saad Hariri refused to join, fearing the new government might be dominated by the Shiite militant group Hezbollah.

Hariri's unity government collapsed on January 12 after Hezbollah and their allies resigned from the cabinet over disagreements on how to deal with the STL.

The STL investigation is widely expected to blame Hezbollah members for Hariri's assassination, a charge the Shiite group has vehemently denied.

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