Eichhorst Meets Miqati, Urges All Sides in Lebanon, Region to Respect Policy of Disassociation

Head of the delegation of the European Union Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst voiced on Wednesday the EU's support for Lebanon's policy of disassociation.

She called on “all parties in Lebanon and the region to respect this position.”

She made her remarks after meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati at the Grand Serail.

The discussions focused on the security situation in Lebanon and in the region, as well as on the challenges brought by the influx of refugees from Syria.

Eichhorst expressed the EU's concern by the recent developments in Syria and “called on all to respect the principle of sovereignty and to refrain from any action which could undermine the already fragile situation in the region.”

She also stressed the importance of forming a new government in Lebanon quickly in order for it to take action on all the pressing issues faced by the country.

Moreover, she expressed support for the Lebanese army and all security institutions for preserving calm and stability. She praised the role also played by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, which should be allowed to carry out its mandate fully and safely to protect the people in the South.

The ambassador recalled the recent decision taken by the EU to provide an additional financial support of 30 millions Euros to Lebanon to mitigate the impact of the Syrian crisis in the country.

She explained that through this decision, the EU will contribute, in line with the priorities of the Government of Lebanon's Response Plan to the Syrian Crisis, to alleviate the needs of both refugees from Syria, including Palestinians, and the Lebanese host communities.

She added that the EU continues to look for possibilities of providing further resources to assist and support Lebanon in these challenging times.