Reactie EU op aftreden van Libanese premier, Najib Miqati (en)

Met dank overgenomen van Raad van de Europese Unie (Raad) i, gepubliceerd op zaterdag 23 maart 2013.

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 23 March 2013 A

Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton i on the resignation of the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Miqati

The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"The High Representative expresses concern at the deteriorating situation in Lebanon, particularly after the decision of PM Miqati to step down. The lack of consensus among political forces in Cabinet and in Parliament has resulted in deadlock, not least over the elections, while security incidents continue to test the stability of the country.

The High Representative condemns the renewed violence in Tripoli and regrets the loss of life. She calls on all parties to exercise restraint, to cooperate in a spirit of dialogue, and to support the work of all the security forces, including the Army, in maintaining calm.

The presence of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees in Lebanon places a heavy burden on the country, whose people continue to demonstrate a unique spirit of solidarity and resilience.

The EU will pursue its support to the institutions, to the security forces and to the people of Lebanon to respond to the current challenges in the spirit of our long-standing partnership."