23.12.2013

EP supports a stable and plural Lebanon

During his visit to Lebanon on 20-21 December, the Chairman of the EP Foreign Affairs Committee met with the Heads of State, Government and Parliament and of political parties. He made the following statement:

I have come to Lebanon to listen to the different positions of main political parties. In this context I will discuss also with representatives of Members of Parliament of Hezbullah. I was astonished to hear yesterday Mr Nasrallah’s statement closing the door for the formation of a ’neutral government‘. I hope that every political force in this country shows the responsibility for a plural and stable political system on the basis of the constitution. I will explain this to my interlocutors. As was agreed by the EU Foreign Ministers last Monday: all parties, including Hezbollah should act responsibly and fully abide by the Baabda Declaration and Lebanon’s dissociation policy. The EU acknowledges the tremendous social and economic burden on Lebanon and other neighbouring countries stemming from the war in Syria and mobilised 2 billion euro for aid since the beginning of the crisis. The EU fully supports a political solution in Syria and will exert all efforts to provide humanitarian assistance, including humanitarian access inside Syria.

Mr Brok spoke during a Conference organised by the Konrad Adenauer and the Lebanese Forces Party. He said that Europe will support a safe future for the Christians in the Arab world and that Lebanon plays an important role as an example. He condemned the use of any violence because of religious tensions. In his speech he also called on Hezbullah to give up its weapons.