22/06/2015 10:40 Press release 484/15 Foreign affairs & international relations
On 22 June 2015, the Council adopted conclusions on Lebanon.
The EU recalls the Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU marking the passage of one year since former President Michel Sleiman of Lebanon left office issued on 25 May and the Presidential Statement adopted by the UNSC on 19 March.
The EU strongly reiterates its call on all political forces to take decisive action to elect a new President and put Lebanon's stability and national interest ahead of partisan politics. The EU restates its call to all Members of the Parliament to uphold Lebanon's longstanding democratic tradition and to convene to elect a President without further delay in line with the Constitution. It is of utmost importance that all parties uphold the Constitution, fully implement the Taef Agreement, and the National Pact. This protracted Presidential vacuum increasingly poses severe risks for the country as a whole.
The deepening crisis has further undermined the functioning of the institutions. The EU reiterates its support for the efforts of Prime Minister Tammam Salam to govern under difficult circumstances and calls on all the parties to enable the government to function properly, including appointments to major public offices. It recalls the importance of the continuity of the institutions, in particular in the security and military sector. Lebanese political forces have a major responsibility in this regard. The EU welcomes recent steps to foster dialogue and conciliation and encourages all political parties to step up efforts in that regard.
The EU urges the Parliament to meet for urgent legislative matters, including the implementation of international aid. This institutional stalemate has a negative impact also on the country's economy> It is increasingly difficult for donors to operate in Lebanon in such conditions. The institutional impasse increasingly affects Lebanon's ability to address the security, economic and social challenges resulting from the conflict in Syria. As the security situation continues to deteriorate particularly at the Eastern border, the costs of the institutional stalemate are growing by the day. The EU and its Member States fully support the efforts of all Lebanese security institutions, notably the Lebanese Armed Forces, to maintain stability and respond to complex security threats. That is why the EU and its Member States have stepped up their assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces and to the security sector and will remain actively engaged in this respect. The EU also confirms its willingness to support Lebanon in its fight against terrorism and its efforts to counter radicalisation and violent extremism.
The EU reiterates its commitment to the sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity and independence of Lebanon. The EU is concerned about the incursions, cross-border fire, as well as, abductions, and trafficking in human beings, arms and artefacts across its borders. The EU reiterates its call for a renewed commitment to the dissociation policy from all regional conflicts by all political parties in line with the Baabda Declaration. The EU stresses the importance of Lebanon's continued commitment to the full implementation of its international obligations, including UNSC Resolutions 1559, 1680, 1701, 1757. The EU reiterates its support to the role of UNIFIL in supporting peace and stability in South Lebanon.
The EU is fully aware of the extraordinary challenges that the refugee crisis is posing on the stability Lebanon. The EU commends the Lebanese authorities and population for their efforts to host, assist and protect the refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria. The EU takes note of Lebanon's border policy introduced in January 2015 and other recent decisions and, at the same time, underscores the importance of upholding human rights and humanitarian principles, as well as the principle of non-refoulement in line with the Berlin Communiqué of 28 October 2014. As the largest donor in the country, the EU is committed to support Lebanon in addressing the growing needs of all vulnerable communities and refugees, including the Palestinian refugees. The implementation and coordination of international assistance requires effective decision-making by the government.
The EU encourages Lebanon to advance on key economic and social reforms, including the adoption of the national budget, effective implementation of strategic sectorial policies to address the economic and social needs of the population, thus contributing to job creation and economic stability and growth in the country. The strengthening of the civil society should also be part of these reforms. The EU supports Lebanon in addressing its extraordinary challenges. The EU reaffirms its strong partnership with Lebanon anchored in our common values of democracy, pluralism, rule of law and respect for human rights. The EU highlights the importance of upholding Lebanon's freedom and diversity as a model of moderation in the entire region.