Brussels, 22/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton is “deeply concerned” at the outbreaks of violence in Tripoli and Beirut, in Lebanon which have led to the deaths of several people and injury of dozens of others, her spokesperson announced on Monday 21 May. He said that Ashton supports all the efforts aimed at maintaining order, defusing tension and ensuring calm and security for all, throughout the country, indicating that security forces should work together and with the judiciary to address violent incidents and security threats effectively.
France, too, has condemned the violence and urged “all parties to reject provocation”. Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said that “only through dialogue will tensions be calmed”.
Ashton is also concerned at the killing of two local dignitaries by soldiers of the Lebanese Armed Forces in the Akkar region and says the circumstances of their deaths must be “promptly” investigated and appropriate measures taken that respect the rule of law. Condemning the incident, Paris called for “full light to be shed on the circumstances of the incident” and congratulated the Lebanese authorities for their swift reaction in investigating what happened and welcomed the calls for calm by Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
Ashton also reaffirmed her commitment to “Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, unity and stability”.
Clashes between supporters of the Syrian regime and opponents claimed the lives of two people, with 18 others being injured in Beirut on Monday, the day after the murder of Lebanese Sunni dignitary Ahmed Abdel Wehed, an opponent of Bashar el-Assad, and a sheik accompanying him, raising fears that the Syrian crisis might overflow into Lebanon. Further sectarian clashes have occurred in the north of the country over the last few days causing the deaths of at least ten people. (CG/transl.rt)