Ban Ki-moon welcomes formation of new Lebanese government

UN Chief Ban Ki-moon on Saturday welcomed the formation of a new government in Lebanon, and congratulated Prime Minister Tammam Salam "on this important step." Ban encouraged Lebanon's political leaders to build on the constructive engagement which led to this achievement to ensure that the country's forthcoming presidential election is successfully conducted within the timeframe set by law, his press office said in a statement.It said Ban emphasized that, "given the severity of the security, humanitarian and economic challenges facing Lebanon, it will be important for the Government to be able, without delay, to act effectively to address such issues with the full support of all parties." Ban paid tribute to outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati for his leadership, and said the UN "looks forward to working with the new Government in its efforts to serve the people of Lebanon and to ensure the effective implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 and other resolutions which remain essential to the country's stability." Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, calls for respect for the Blue Line, the disarming of all militias in Lebanon, and an end to arms smuggling into the area.