Raadsconclusies over Libanon (en)

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Council conclusions on Lebanon

FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting Brussels, 16 December 2013

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

" 1. The EU reaffirms its commitment to the unity, stability, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon

• 2. 

  The EU condemns the repeated violence and security incidents, including the latest terrorist attack targeting the Iranian Embassy and the recurrent clashes in Tripoli. The EU welcomes the efforts of the Lebanese security forces, including the Lebanese Armed Forces, to protect Lebanon's borders and ensure security for all people living on Lebanese territory, with due respect for the rule of law and human rights

• 3. 

  The EU strongly calls on all parties, including Hezbollah, to act responsibly, fully abide by Lebanon's dissociation policy from the conflict in Syria and support the efforts of President Sleiman to implement the provisions of the Baabda Declaration agreed by all political forces

• 4. 

  The EU underlines the importance of continuing the national dialogue among all political forces to overcome all divisions and the current stalemate and move towards a broader agreement on the future of the country. The EU calls on all regional actors to play a constructive role in this regard

• 5. 

  The EU calls on Lebanon to urgently form a new Government capable to address the extraordinary humanitarian, economic and security challenges the country is facing. The EU looks forward to the timely holding of presidential and parliamentary elections in 2014 and encourages Lebanon to carry out necessary electoral reforms

• 6. 

  The EU commends the Lebanese authorities for their open border policy and reiterates its appreciation for the support and generosity demonstrated by the authorities and population towards all the people fleeing the conflict in Syria. The EU expresses its concern at the unprecedented effect the crisis has on the stability of Lebanon as well as on its natural and economic resources, educational systems, health care and labour markets

• 7. 

  As the largest donor of humanitarian and development assistance in Lebanon the EU will continue to contribute to meeting the growing needs of host communities and refugees. The EU underlines the importance of supporting local host communities through social and economic measures to mitigate the impact of the refugee influx from Syria. In this regard, the EU looks forward to the coming UN Regional Response Plan and will mobilise appropriate funding. The EU also reiterates its call on international partners to increase their support to Lebanon, including at the upcoming Kuwait 2 Conference

• 8. 

  The EU recalls its commitment to support Lebanon's institutions and security forces, as well as its readiness to continue this assistance and explore possibilities for increased support to the Lebanese Armed Forces

The EU welcomes all efforts by the international community, including the International Support Group for Lebanon, to support and stabilize the country at this critical juncture. The EU stresses the importance of Lebanon's ownership to steer and keep the momentum of these international efforts

• 9. 

  The EU attaches high importance to its partnership with Lebanon under the European Neighbourhood Policy and encourages Lebanon to pursue its reform agenda. The EU looks forward to the reinforced cooperation agreed in the new EU-Lebanon P Action Plan

• 10. 

  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 reaffirms its support for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) and calls on the Lebanese authorities to continue fulfilling their obligations regarding the STL, including the financial contribution

The EU reiterates its support to the role of UNIFIL in supporting peace and stability in South Lebanon."