"In light of Prime Minister [Saad] Hariri’s resignation, the United States calls on Lebanon’s political leaders to urgently facilitate the formation of a new government that can build a stable, prosperous, and secure Lebanon that is responsive to the needs of its citizens," Pompeo said on Tuesday.
We call on Lebanon’s political leaders to urgently facilitate the formation of a new government that can build a stable, prosperous, and secure #Lebanon that is responsive to the needs of its citizens and free of endemic corruption.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 29, 2019
Pompeo also called on Lebanon’s army and security services to ensure the safety of protestors.
Earlier in the day, Hariri announced the resignation of his entire cabinet on TV, following two weeks of civil unrest against the government.
Lebanese citizens took to the streets on 17 October when the government announced tax hikes on internet calls, including Whatsapp, and tobacco in a bid to salvage a deteriorating economy. Although the government quickly scrapped the plan, the demonstrations have since ballooned into widespread demands for the resignation of the government and political reforms.
