The European Union called on Lebanon to begin implementation of the reforms adopted by the CEDRE Conference, to maintain the dissociation policy and to commit to all UN resolutions.
Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri received on Thursday at the Grand Serail the head of the EU delegation to Lebanon, Ambassador Christina Lassen, and the ambassadors of EU member states in Lebanon.
According to a statement issued by the EU following the meeting, the delegation congratulated Hariri on the formation of the new government, emphasizing the need to “resume the efforts to strengthen state institutions to ensure governance and reaffirm the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and exclusive authority of the Lebanese State.”
“The European Union is standing ready to provide support to handle these challenges,” the statement read.
The European diplomats also urged the government to start implementing the reforms stipulated by the CEDRE Conference, pledging “large-scale support if necessary measures are taken.”
Acknowledging “Lebanon’s extraordinary and exceptional effort in hosting more than 1 million refugees,” the EU stressed the need to “work together for an informed discussion regarding the return of Syrian refugees to their home country, which is the ultimate objective.”
The EU urged the new government to maintain its policy of dissociation from regional conflicts and to fulfill the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions.
“Lebanon’s stability remains of paramount importance to the European Union. Therefore, we encourage a renewed commitment of the Council of Ministers on disassociation from any regional conflicts and wars and from internal affairs of Arab countries. It is crucial that Lebanon continues to fully implement its international obligations outlined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” according to the statement.
The EU also stressed its recognition of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as “the only legitimate armed forces of Lebanon, as enshrined in the Lebanese constitution and in the Taif agreement.”
“The European Union continues its support to the LAF and to implement our commitments undertaken at the Rome II conference… and encourages the Government of Lebanon to resume a national dialogue for a National Defense Strategy,” it noted.
