HL Deb 07 March 2005 vol 670 cc62-3WA
Lord Dykes

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will send observers to the next parliamentary elections in Lebanon, scheduled for May 2005. [HL1564]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The UK would consider any invitation from the Lebanese Election Commission to send observers to the forthcoming elections in Lebanon.

It is important that elections are held in a secure atmosphere, free from intimidation. In this context the UK calls for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559.

Before elections can be held the Lebanese Parliament needs to assent to a new electoral law. We hope this law will provide for a credible electoral process.