European and regional states stressed on Tuesday the positive impact of the formation of Lebanon’s new national unity Cabinet after five months of political deadlock, while the US administration voiced hope that the new government would commit to the implementation of international resolutions. “We look forward to cooperate with a Lebanese Cabinet committed to maintaining its authority over all its territories and implement economic and political reforms that would serve the Lebanese people’s interests,” the US administration statement said. 

The statement expressed hope that the new government’s policy and ministerial statement would reflect its commitment to UN Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701. 

The statement stressed that no regional deal would take place at the expense of Lebanon, adding that the latter would play a key role in the achievement of a comprehensive Middle East peace solution. 

The new Cabinet’s ministerial statement is not expected to tackle Hizbullah’s weapons and is to be formulated based on that of the previous Cabinet since political leaders would tackle the issue of weapons during National Dialogue sessions to be headed by President Michel Sleiman. 

Separately, UN chief Ban Ki-moon welcomed Tuesday the newly formed Lebanese national unity government while urging it to restrict the possession of weapons in the country to the Lebanese Army and official security forces. 

The secretary general expressed “satisfaction that … Lebanese political leaders have been able to reach agreement on the formation of a Cabinet,” Ban’s spokesman said in a statement, adding that he hopes Lebanese leaders will “work together in a spirit of unity, dialogue and cooperation.” 

The UN Security Council’s Resolution 1701, which ended a 34-day war between Lebanon and Israel in 2006 and which restricts the possession of arms in south Lebanon to the Lebanese Army, must be adhered to, Ban said. 

“The secretary general calls on the new government of Lebanon to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701,” Ban’s spokesman said. 

The formation of Lebanon’s new national unity Cabinet followed warming of ties between regional power brokers Syria and Saudi Arabia last month after a meeting between Syrian President Bashar Assad and Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdel-Aziz in Damascus. 

Assad on Tuesday congratulated Lebanon on the formation of a new unity government, hoping it will bring prosperity to the country, SANA news agency said. 

Assad, in a message to Sleiman, “expressed hope that this period will be one of prosperity for the Lebanese republic and the brotherly people of Lebanon,” the state-run news agency reported. 

Also, French President Nicolas Sarkozy voiced hope on Monday that the new Cabinet would meet the Lebanese people aspirations while he congratulated Prime Minister Saad Hariri for its formation. 

“Your government will be responsible for carrying out the reforms which are much anticipated by the people of Lebanon as well as the international community,” a statement by the Elysee palace said. 

France expressed through visits by French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner to Lebanon, on several occasions earlier its readiness to mediate efforts to facilitate Hariri’s mission to form a Cabinet. 

“I welcome the formation of a government of national unity in Lebanon and renew the trust and support of France for Prime Minister Saad Hariri,” Kouchner also said in a statement. 

“Saad Hariri and his government can count on the resolute support of France, which will continue its actions in favor of unity and stability, and the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon,” he said. 

Similarly, Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Tuesday that stability in Lebanon is vital to peace in the Middle East, as he described the formation of a national unity government as “positive.” 

“The formation of a unity government in Lebanon is a positive development for both the people of Lebanon and the region,” Miliband said in a statement. 

“Stability in Lebanon is vital to peace in the Middle East. I wish the government well as it starts to carry out future political, social and economic reforms. 

“The UK will work with the new Lebanese government to support reform inside Lebanon and peace in the wider region.” 

The European Union welcomed Tuesday the formation of a national unity government in Lebanon, and urged all parties there and in the region to continue the process of dialogue. 

Also, the European Union “encouraged the new Lebanese government to carry out necessary political and economic reforms while reiterating its full support for Lebanon, its people and institutions,” current EU President Sweden said. 

“In the interest of the stability of Lebanon and the region as a whole the presidency furthermore encourages all parties to continue the national dialogue that preceded the elections,” the EU statement said. 

In a separate statement, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana also congratulated the parties. 

“It is important that Lebanon has a strong, effective government as it faces the various challenges ahead,” he said. 

“I call once again on all parties concerned, in Lebanon, in the region and in the international community, to act constructively to recognize and ensure the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Lebanon,” he said. 

“Achieving this goal is crucial for the stability of the entire region,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Fratini expressed on Monday night its commitment for Lebanon sovereignty and independence while voicing hope that the new cabinet headed by Hariri would instigate economic prosperity. 

“After turning the page of political stalemate which governed Lebanon during the last several months we expect a new era of stability and prosperity,” the statement said.