Good morning,

I met with Prime Minister-Designate Najib Mikati, and just concluded a meeting with His Excellency President Michel Aoun. I will also pay a visit to Speaker Nabih Berri later today. I carry an urgent message from the High Representative of the European Union, Josep Borrell.

We are very concerned by the rapid deterioration of the economic, financial, security and social crisis. The Authorities are struggling to uphold the delivery of essential services and supplies. Lebanese are suffering. The explosion in Akkar is yet another example of people paying the price of political inaction. Almost two weeks later, it saddens me to read about new lives taken by this tragedy. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to their families.

I stand before you, to urge, once again, the decision makers in this country to form a government and take the necessary reforms and measures to get Lebanon out of its current crisis.

Once a government is formed, the European Union will relaunch the negotiations on our partnership priorities with Lebanon. We will consider a Macro-Financial Assistance package, if a disbursing programme with the International Monetary Fund is in place. We also offer our support to the 2022 electoral process.

The European Union continues to provide substantial assistance to the people of Lebanon. They can count on us at this difficult juncture. But the Lebanese decision makers need to live up to their responsibilities as well. The moment to act is now.

Thank you.