Spain congratulates Lebanon on successful elections

MADRID, May 19 (KUNA) -- Spain congratulated Thursday the Lebanese people and its authorities on occasion of the successful parliamentary elections conducted last Sunday.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry expressed in statement its confidence that the election results would lead to a new government able to ensure the necessary reformations the country needs as it is undergoing grueling circumstances, indicating that Spain will continue to support Lebanon and its people.
The statement, released late Wednesday, praised the work of the European Union delegation, in overseeing the elections, voicing hope that this contributes to redressing faults in future electoral processes.
It also underscored the role of the Lebanese security services in maintaining the peace during the elections.
Last Sunday, Lebanon witnessed elections held in the midst of unprecedented economic turmoil that resulted in independent and opposition figures occupying a significant number of parliamentary seats, reflecting the dismay of the Lebanese people.
The alliance, Hezbollah and Amal movement, got 28 seats, their ally the Patriotic Free Trend 17, their foe the Lebanese Forces 17, the Progressive Socialist Party with the Democratic Meeting nine, the Phalange Party four, Al-Marada two, Tashnaq two, the National Free Liberals one, the Islamic Grouping one and the Islamic Charity Projects party two.
The "forces of change" secured up to 14 seats and they may be able to form a bloc with the independent figures grouping up to 26 MPs. (end) hnd.aai