US Blinken calls for 'timely presidential election' in Lebanon

The United States called on Lebanon to hold presidential elections in a 'timely' manner during a meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and prime minister Najib Mikati.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab Staff & Agencies

21 September, 2022

Antony Blinken met caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati in New York [source: Getty]

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged timely presidential elections in Lebanon in a meeting with that country's prime minister, Najib Mikati, the State Department said on Wednesday.

"The secretary emphasized the need to hold a timely presidential election in Lebanon and urged that the Prime Minister and other leaders implement key reforms needed to effect meaningful change, promote good governance, and revive Lebanon’s economy while restoring the trust of its people," in the meeting on Tuesday in New York, the department said.

President Michel Aoun's term ends next month and a date for the elections is yet to be scheduled by the parliament speaker.

Lebanon has been engulfed by a series of crises, including the collapse of the Lebanese lira and the 2020 Beirut port blast.

[Reuters]