Addressing political, economic crises vital, say foreign ministers Meeting agreements with Arab League, IMF, UN critical for development RIYADH: The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the US, and France have expressed their continuing support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and stability, and highlighted the importance of holding elections. The polls would comply with the constitution that calls for Lebanon’s parliament to elect a new president, the officials said in a joint statement. During their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly earlier this week, the diplomats said it is critical to elect a president who can unite the Lebanese people and work with regional and international actors to overcome the current crisis. They called for the formation of a government capable of implementing the structural and economic reforms urgently needed to address Lebanon’s political and economic crises, specifically those needed to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. The three officials said their countries remained willing to work jointly with Lebanon to support the implementation of these fundamental reforms, which are critical to the nation’s future development. “We acknowledge the critical role the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces — as the legitimate defenders of Lebanon’s sovereignty and internal stability — continue to play in protecting the Lebanese people in a time of unprecedented crisis,” they said. The representatives affirmed the need for the Lebanese government to implement UN Security Council resolutions 1559, 1701, 1680, 2650 and other relevant international resolutions, including those issued by the Arab League, and commit to the Taif Agreement.