The US, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and France said Thursday that Lebanon needs to elect a new president to ensure that Beirut has “a seat at the table” when it comes to regional discussions as well as to reach a potential diplomatic deal on the country’s border with Israel.

Lebanon has been without a president for more than a year and a half, with Hezbollah and its allies insisting on electing their own candidate while blocking quorum for a vote.

Meanwhile, the country has been in the throes of one of the worst economic crises in history, and the potential for an all-out war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah remains present.

“Lebanon cannot afford to wait another month. The country needs and deserves a president who unites the nation, prioritizes the well-being of its citizens, and forms a broad and inclusive coalition to restore political stability and implement necessary economic reforms,” the group said.

“The election of a president is also needed to ensure that Lebanon has a seat at the table in regional discussions and to conclude a future diplomatic deal on Lebanon’s southern border,” they added.

The five countries are represented by their respective ambassadors in Beirut, who have been meeting with all major Lebanese political blocs in recent months to discuss the presidential vacuum.

The group of five is referred to as the “Quint Ambassadors.” They said that their meetings showed all political sides agreeing on the need to elect a president and expressed their willingness to participate in a “renewed effort to achieve this outcome, some as early as the end of May 2024.”

But the Quint Ambassadors warned that potential discussions between the Lebanese political groups need to be limited in scope and duration.

Outlining a suggested roadmap, the Quint Ambassadors said the consultations should only aim to identify a short list of presidential candidates or a widely agreed-upon candidate.

Following this step, Lebanese MPs would go to Parliament and have an open electoral session with as many rounds as needed to elect a new head of state.

“The Quint Ambassadors call upon the Lebanese Parliamentarians to proceed with consultations and to fulfill their constitutional responsibility to elect a president,” the five ambassadors said in their statement. “The Quint Ambassadors stand ready to witness and facilitate the suggested political consultations in tandem with ongoing Lebanese efforts and initiatives from all the Lebanese parties and stakeholders, including the Moderation Bloc.”