The International Support Group (ISG) for Lebanon met in Beirut on 11 March 2021 to take stock of the situation in the country, more than seven months after the tragic explosion at the Beirut port.

The ISG noted the precipitating socio-economic crisis in Lebanon, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. It expressed its concern at the increasing tensions in the country, including the recent protests. The ISG called for demonstrations to remain peaceful, for human rights to be protected. It further called for full accountability and justice to be served, through credible, transparent and swift investigations of the Beirut port explosion and the killing of Mr. Lokman Slim.

In the context of these developments, the ISG recalled with consternation that seven months have elapsed since the resignation of the last government, inhibiting Lebanon’s ability to address its deepening and increasingly complex political, social, financial, economic and institutional challenges, and to meet the legitimate needs and aspirations of the Lebanese people. The ISG reiterated its urgent call for Lebanon’s leaders to delay no longer the formation of a fully empowered government capable of meeting the country’s urgent needs and implementing critical reforms.

The ISG reiterated its firm and continuing support for Lebanon and its people.

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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Press release

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