Visiting EU Delegation Voices Solidarity with Lebanon

by Naharnet Newsdesk 18 February 2015, 11:58

A delegation from the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the European Parliament arrived in Lebanon on Wednesday, expressing solidarity with its leaders over the burden of refugees.

The delegation kicked off its visit by meeting with Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil at the Bustros Palace.

“We will discuss the issue of increasing the financial support to Lebanon when we head back to Europe,” chief of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the European Parliament Elmar Brok, who is heading the delegation, told reporters.

The delegation is comprised of members: Ramona Manescu, Ana Gomes, Afzal Khan ad Mark Jurek.

An Nahar newspaper reported earlier that talks will focus on the bilateral ties, the political and security developments in Lebanon, the presidential deadlock, the repercussions of the war raging in Syria on Lebanon and the regional developments.

“We have a common enemy, which is terrorism,” EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides told the newspaper.

He remarked that it is essential to have a “deeper cooperation” in this regard, noting that the “terrorist acts don't target a specific religion or culture but our common heritage.”

The delegation is expected to also meet with Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Tammam Salam, al-Mustaqbal Movement chief Saad Hariri and several other prominent officials.

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