(BRUSSELS) - The European Union's top diplomat welcomed Wednesday a deal between Lebanon's feuding factions to end an 18-month political standoff and urged them to elect a president as soon as possible.

"I congratulate all the parties on taking this courageous step that paves the way for an end to the political deadlock in Lebanon," EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said, after the deal was sealed in Doha, Qatar.

"I call on all the parties to do everything possible to implement all the terms of the Doha agreement, starting with the election of the president, as soon as possible, in good faith and in full transparency.

"More than ever, the EU is standing by Lebanon and its people, in support of Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity," said Solana, who has been closely involved in efforts to end the impasse.

The agreement, announced after days of tense talks, is expected to see the election of a president for Lebanon on Sunday and the creation of a unity government.

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