NNA - The European Union's Foreign Affairs Council convened Monday in Brussels to discuss the peace process in the Middle East region.



Pertaining to Lebanon, 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 ENP 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."


As to the peace process in the broader Middle East region, the Council adopted the following conclusions:



"1. The European Union fully supports the efforts of the parties and of the US towards a just and lasting settlement for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The European Union particularly commends the tireless engagement by US SoS John Kerry and the leadership shown by President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu.


2. The European Union recalls previous Council conclusions which laid down its vision for a two-state solution resulting in an agreement on all final status issues, ending all claims, and fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of both parties.


3. The EU is convinced of the positive role that countries in the region can play in advancing the peace process, and remains committed to the on-going dialogue with the Arab States, including with regard to achieving peace in the Middle East. The Council reiterates the strategic importance of the Arab Peace Initiative for all parties and for the entire region.


4. Recalling its Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions of June and December 2009, the European Union reiterates its readiness to contribute substantially to post-conflict arrangements for ensuring the sustainability of a peace agreement. The Council will work on concrete proposals, including by building on previous work undertaken on EU contributions to Palestinian state-building, regional issues, refugees, security and Jerusalem.


5. The EU will provide an unprecedented package of European political, economic and security support to both parties in the context of a final status agreement. In the event of a final peace agreement the European Union will offer Israel and the future state of Palestine a Special Privileged Partnership including increased access to the European markets, closer cultural and scientific links, facilitation of trade and investments as well as promotion of business to business relations. Enhanced political dialogue and security cooperation will also be offered to both states.


6. Current talks represent a unique opportunity which must be seized for both parties to implement a two-state solution. A one state reality would not be compatible with the legitimate sovereign and democratic aspirations of both parties.


7. The EU warns against actions that undermine the negotiations. In this regard, it deplores Israel's continuous expansion of settlements, which are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace. The Council also expresses its grave concern regarding incitement, incidents of violence in the occupied territory, house demolitions and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. The EU expresses its serious concern about actions that undermine the status quo of the holy sites, including in Jerusalem. The European Union will continue to closely monitor the situation and its broader implications, and act accordingly.


8. The European Union reiterates that it is in its fundamental interest to see an end to the conflict, establish lasting peace and prosperity along its southern borders and simultaneously develop its political, economic and trade relations with both parties. The European Union stands firmly behind President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu in their efforts to take bold and concrete steps towards a just and lasting solution to the conflict within the agreed timeframe.


9. The Council expressed its gratitude to the EU Special Representative, Andreas Reinicke, for his work and efforts undertaken during his time as EUSR."



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