EU Condemns Arsal Unrest: Lebanon Needs Effective, Legitimate State Institutions during this Time

The European Union announced on Wednesday its “strong condemnation” of the clashes in the northeastern town of Arsal, highlighting the need for “effective and legitimate institutions in Lebanon” that can help it overcome the unrest.

The spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said in a statement: “We strongly condemn the assault by violent extremist groups on the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in the area of Arsal.”

“In these difficult times, Lebanon needs effective and legitimate state institutions,” added the statement.

“It is therefore essential that all Lebanese and the international community support Lebanon's authorities and security services to preserve peace and stability in the country,” it continued.

“We fully support the LAF in defending their country and people, and welcome the determination of Lebanese political leaders to put an end to terrorism and violent extremism,” it remarked.

“We remain deeply concerned by the severe security, political, economic and social challenges Lebanon is facing as a result of the conflict in Syria,” said the statement.

“We express our sincere condolences to the families of all victims and call for the immediate release of those abducted,” it stated.

The EU remains committed to Lebanon's territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence, unity and stability.

“We will continue to provide assistance to Lebanon, both in our bilateral relation and in response to the Syrian crisis,” it said in conclusion.

Scores of soldiers have been killed and injured in the fighting in Arsal that broke out over the weekend after the arrest of a prominent al-Nusra Front member.

Another 22 soldiers are missing, possibly having been taken hostage.

Arsal, which lies some 90 kilometers from Beirut, is a predominantly Sunni town of 40,000 whose population has almost tripled because of the presence of Syrian refugees and rebels.