On an official visit to Lebanon on Sunday, European Commission Vice-President Josep Borrell stressed the need to “put pressure on Israel and Hezbollah” to “accept the ceasefire offer made by the United States.” President Biden's envoy, Amos Hochstein, had relayed the offer to both sides during his latest visit to the two countries, which have been in conflict for over a year.
In this context, Borrell affirmed that “the European Union supports the United States and France in their efforts to reach a solution.”
In Beirut, the European official made these remarks during a tour where he first met caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Serail, before moving on to Ain al-Tineh for talks with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
Following the meeting, Borrell held a press conference, during which he addressed the Israeli side, saying, “We are still waiting for a decisive response from Tel Aviv to the proposal by the American envoy, Amos Hochstein.”
He also strongly denounced what is happening in Beirut, saying that it puts the international community “to the test.” He added that this conflict has taken on international proportions, making the international community accountable. “It cannot stand idly by,” he commented.
“The cost of the war is very high, Lebanon is on the verge of collapse, dozens of villages in the south have been completely destroyed, and there must be an immediate ceasefire by all parties and the implementation of Resolution 1701,” Borrell went on. He also reaffirmed the EU's support “for the Lebanese people, the Lebanese Army and the country's institutions.” Furthermore, he announced that the EU “is ready to allocate 200 million euros to the Lebanese Army.”
“The EU supports the deployment of the Lebanese Army along the Litani River and the withdrawal of Hezbollah and Israel from the region,” Borrell stated.
With regard to the presidential vacuum in Lebanon, which has persisted since October 31, 2022, the European leader urged the Lebanese political parties “to assume their responsibilities before the people and elect a president.”
He also praised the work of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), while describing the attacks on the UN force as “absolutely unacceptable.”
Additionally, Borrell called on the international community “to take steps to put an end to the massacres in Gaza.”
Comments