The International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG) met in Beirut on 19 May 2021 to take stock of the situation in the country.

Noting the continuing economic, social and financial decline in Lebanon since its last meeting in March 2021, the increasing challenges faced by Lebanese institutions in addressing the multiple crises, and the growing hardship on the Lebanese population, ISG members lamented the continuing political stalemate in the government formation process. Once again, the ISG called on Lebanon’s leaders to set aside their differences in the national interest, and to delay no further the formation of a fully empowered government capable of meeting the country’s urgent needs and implementing long overdue critical reforms.

The ISG also called for elections to take place on time and urged that all necessary steps be taken to mitigate the social and economic impact of any changes to the national subsidy programme.

The International Support Group has brought together the United Nations and the governments of China, France, Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States, together with the European Union and the Arab League. It was launched in 2013 to help mobilize support and assistance for Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and state institutions and to specifically encourage assistance for the Lebanese Army, Syrian refugees in Lebanon and host communities and government programs and public services impacted by the Syrian crisis.

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Full statement

Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon – website and Facebook page