Salam: EU Decision Doesn't Help Lebanon Overcome Internal Complications

Prime Minister-designate Tammam Salam hoped on Tuesday that the European Union would retract its decision to list Hizbullah's military wing as a terrorist organization.

He said: “The decision goes against EU member states' repeated claims that they seek to help Lebanon overcome the complications on its internal scene.”

He noted the “vagueness” in how the EU will implement its decision and how it will impact Lebanon and its people.

“The EU's measure does not help support efforts exerted by President Michel Suleiman to revive national dialogue that is aimed at bolstering stability and fortifying the country on the security and political levels,” added Salam.

On Monday, 28 EU foreign ministers unanimously voted to blacklist Hizbullah's military wing.

To get the required agreement of all 28 EU member states, ministers had to overcome reservations in some members that the move would further destabilize Lebanon, where Hizbullah plays a key role in politics.

Accordingly, EU political and economic ties with Lebanon will be fully maintained in a delicate balancing act.