Press Release, Thursday, November 5, 2009 - Washington DC

Washington, DC – The Lebanese American Renaissance Partnership (LARP) strongly condemns any act aimed at delaying the formation of a new government based on the results of the Parliamentary elections held in June 2009.

LARP further expresses its dismay with Lebanese politicians in not attending to the people’s business through the expedient formation of a government. Instead, politicians are polarizing the process and pushing it toward a crisis by arguing about ministerial portfolios and who will control what.

Further delay in forming a government will put Lebanon’s economy at risk of a collapse. All international programs to help Lebanon will be put on hold causing the Lebanese citizens to loose new opportunities, comfort and stability.

We urge the formation of a new cabinet immediately, the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions 1559, 1680 and 1701, and the disarmament of all internal and external militias in Lebanon so the Lebanese citizens can reach their dream of stability, security and economic prosperity.

LARP is committed to supporting the civil society and civic institutions of Lebanon, to lifting up the spirit of the Lebanese people, and assisting the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other agencies of the United States in their effort to promote economic growth and to foster peace, stability and democratic institutions in Lebanon in an effort to enhance the sovereignty and freedom of Lebanon.