Frances foreign ministry has said it is important that Lebanon elects a new head of state before Oct. 31, when President Michel Aouns term ends. The Lebanese parliament failed to do so on Thursday, signaling the likelihood of the post being left vacant as the country grapples with a financial crisis, Reuters said. "Lebanese leaders must rise to the occasion, which requires getting together and implementing the necessary measures to end the crisis," a French foreign ministry spokesperson said late on Friday.