EU Hails Lebanese Efforts to Support Syrian Refugees

The European Union expressed on Monday its readiness to continue providing assistance to Lebanon in coping with the burden of harboring refugees fleeing the unrest in neighboring Syria.

It said in a statement after a council meeting on Lebanon: “The EU commends the Lebanese authorities for their efforts to support those fleeing the violence in Syria, and encourages the government of Lebanon to continue meeting its responsibilities in this respect.”

“It strongly condemns the recent incursions and other security incidents along the border with Syria, leading to the killing, injury and abduction of civilians at the hands of Syrian forces,” it continued.

“Any violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable and in breach of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1680,” it stressed.

The EU therefore highlighted the importance of the Lebanese government's continued commitment to the full implementation of Lebanon's international obligations, including Resolutions 1559, 1680, 1701 and 1757.

In addition, it voiced its support for the security forces and army, “which has to safeguard the rule of law and ensure security for all citizens against external and internal threats, and on the basis of respect of human rights.”

“The EU is committed to continuing its support for Lebanon's security forces in fulfilling this role,” it said.

Addressing local developments, the EU voiced its support for the “efforts of the Lebanese government to overcome divisions and promote national unity and peace.”

“It welcomes in particular President Michel Suleiman’s initiative to revive the national dialogue, and its progress achieved so far, notably the Baabda Declaration,” it said.

“It supports the intention to advance the dialogue on a continuous and inclusive basis, and encourages all political leaders to participate in order to find sustainable and constructive solutions to the main issues of national unity,” added the statement.

It continued: “The EU welcomes and supports all Lebanese to refrain from violent actions, promote calm, and work toward defusing tensions. The EU welcomes the steps taken by the Lebanese authorities toward this aim and encourages further efforts to maintain security, notably by making clear that proliferation of arms, criminal activities and any form of violence are unacceptable.”

The national dialogue was resumed in June after a 19-month absence.

It has since held two sessions amid Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea’s boycott as he has deemed the talks a “distraction.”

The third session is set for Tuesday and the March 14 forces have announced that they will boycott it over its failure to address Hizbullah’s arms possession, provide the telecom data to the security forces, and lift political cover against wanted suspects.

Furthermore, the EU reiterated its strong and continued commitment to Lebanon's unity, stability, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, lauding the government for meeting the country’s obligation to fund the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.