EU Council Conclusions on Lebanon

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

1. "The Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack perpetrated in Beirut on 25 January, that claimed the lives of Internal Security Forces' Captain Wissam Eid and four others, the bombing of a US diplomatic vehicle in Beirut that killed three people and injured several others on 15 January, and the attack on UNIFIL on 8 January. The Council reiterates its firm denounciation of all terrorist attacks and of all attempts to undermine peace and stability in Lebanon.

2. The Council remains strongly concerned at the continued absence of a Head of State in Lebanon. It regrets that it has not yet been possible to elect a new President, and that the parliamentary session has been postponed yet another time until 11 February.

3. The Council welcomes the unanimous endorsement by the extraordinary session of the Foreign Ministers of the Arab League held on 6 January in Cairo of a plan for the immediate election of the president, the formation of a national unity government and the adoption of a new electoral law. The Council warmly welcomes the mediation efforts by the Secretary General of the Arab League aimed at a rapid solution of the crisis.

4. It calls upon the parties to work responsibly in order to implement without any further delay the plan of the Arab League, as well as to refrain from all actions that could upset public order and the security of the citizens. In this regard, the Council deplores the escalating tension which has led to further loss of lives. Recalling the importance of stability in Lebanon for the whole region, the Council looks forward to the full resumption of the functioning of democratic institutions in Lebanon.

5. The Council reiterates its support to the legitimate and democratic government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and to the Lebanese Armed Forces and their contribution to the stability of the country.

6. The Council recalls previous statements and remains determined to reinforce Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, unity and stability, according notably to UNSC Resolutions 1559, 1680, 1701 and 1757. In this respect, the Council looks forward to the start of the work of the Special Tribunal as soon as possible.

7. The Council also condemns the rocket attacks launched against Israel on 8 January."

| Arriba |

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