May 21, 2008
No. 121
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding the recent agreement to help end the political crisis in Lebanon:
"This agreement offers an opportunity to end the political crisis which has paralyzed Lebanon and to begin the necessary steps for reconciliation.
"We encourage the parties to ensure that all components of the agreement are enforced, including the immediate election of a president and the ban against using weapons to further political ends. Such positive developments will help maintain calm as the parties work toward ending the sectarian and factional divide.
"We also call on the Government of Lebanon to strive for the full implementation of all relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including the disarmament of all non-governmental groups.
"Canada stands ready to assist the Lebanese government in any way possible."
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