A handout picture provided by the Lebanese photo agency Dalati and Nohra on September 13, 2021 shows Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (C-L) and President Michel Aoun (C) and Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati (C-R) posing for a group photo with the newly formed government at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital Beirut. - Lebanese commentators voiced scepticism over the bankrupt state's ability to win back the support of foreign donors after political factions finally agreed a new government following 13 months of horse-trading. (Photo by - / DALATI AND NOHRA / AFP) / === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / HO / DALATI AND NOHRA" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS ===

The UN Security Council on Monday welcomed the formation of a new government in Lebanon.

The administration led by Prime Minister Najib Mikati was announced earlier this month after more than a year of political stalemate.

In that time, Lebanon has plunged deeper into economic collapse with widespread blackouts and fuel shortages.

The Security Council statement “urged Lebanon’s new government to swiftly and transparently implement the well‑known, necessary and tangible reforms.”

The changes are needed to deal with “the urgent security, economic, social and humanitarian challenges facing the country,” the statement said.

The council said it was important to hold free, fair and inclusive elections next year and an independent transparent investigation into the Beirut port explosions that decimated the city last year.

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