The UN Security Council has called for Lebanese leaders to rapidly form a new government, describing it as a "critical" step for stability in the war-battered country and region.

In a statement adopted unanimously, the Council welcomed the January 9 election of President Joseph Aoun, who filled a role that was vacant for over two years, and the nomination of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, urging the new Lebanese leaders to continue to "work constructively to promote the country's stability" and "swiftly" form a government.