Press Release: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU marking the passage of one year since former President Michel Sleiman of Lebanon left office

25 May 2015 marked the passage of one year since former President Michel Sleiman of Lebanon left office. This protracted Presidential vacuum posed serious risks for the country as a whole. It undermined the functioning of all institutions and Lebanon's ability to address the difficult security, social and economic challenges facing the country.

The EU called on all political forces to take decisive action to elect a new President. It is crucial that all parties uphold the Constitution, fully implement the Taef Agreement, and the National Pact. The EU underlined the importance of dialogue among all political forces to overcome this deepening crisis.