EU Ambassadors Visit Sidon to Extend Support Following Clashes

Ambassadors and representatives of the European Union visited on Wednesday Sidon to express support to the southern city and its officials in light of the recent clashes.

Ambassadorsof Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Bulgaria, Hungary and the United Kingdom accredited to Lebanon took part in the visit.

Discussions focused on the latest events in Sidon as well as the difficult challenges faced by the citizens, including the impact of the Syrian crisis on the local economy and the growing number of Syrian refugees.

Following the visit, Angelina Eichhorst said on behalf of the EU ambassadors and member states representatives: "Sidon and the area around have undergone a difficult period during the past months, marked by the latest security incidents.”

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims, to the Lebanese Armed Forces and to all those who have suffered from violence during the clashes,” she added.

“We believe that all those who resort to violence should be held to account. We are here today to show that we are behind the people of Sidon and extend our support to all those working to de-escalate tensions through dialogue and peaceful means,” she stressed.

The European Union strongly supports all institutions in their efforts to preserve peace and security.

“We reiterate our commitment to Lebanon's unity, sovereignty and independence. We urge once again all parties to abide by the commitments made in the Baabda Declaration,” remarked Eichhorst.

The EU delegation met with the Governor of South Lebanon Nicolas Abou Daher, the President of the Municipality of Sidon Mohamad Al Seoudi, Mufti Salim Sousan, Mufti Mohamad Osseiran, Bishop Elie Haddad and Bishop Elias Kfoury, as well as with the representative of the President of the Municipality of Abra Elie Mushantaf and General Ali Shahrour from the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Eighteen soldiers were killed and 50 were wounded in clashes in Sidon between the army and armed supporters of Salafist cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir on June 22 and 23.