The European Union (EU) Sunday welcomed the announcement that President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati signed a decree forming a government in Lebanon on Friday. The political, economic and social crises in the country have deteriorated markedly in the last months and weeks, the existing severe difficulties for the Lebanese people having been further aggravated by crippling power and fuel shortages, said EU Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Peter Stano, in a statement. He stressed on the urgency to implement the measures and reforms needed to address the multiple crises affecting Lebanon, including an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. "This is what the new government must now focus on, with the active support of the parliament and other state institutions. All parties involved should show the same resolve and ability to compromise, to adopt without delay the measures needed to ensure that the immediate needs and further legitimate expectations of the Lebanese people are met," said the EU statement. Additionally, preparations for the municipal, parliamentary and presidential elections next year must start in earnest and ensure that they are free, fair, and transparent, it said and welcomed Mikati"s statement that elections should take place on schedule. ( Meanwhile, in Amman, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the forming of a new government in Lebanon. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Haitham Abu Alfoul voiced Jordan"s support to such move to enable the Lebanese to face challenges and achieve security, stability and prosperity. He stressed the Kingdom’s continued support for the Lebanese in a way that mirrors the deeply-rooted ties between the two countries, wishing the new government success for the interest of the Lebanese people. — Agencies