Brussels, 07/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - The German minister of the interior, Hans-Peter Friedrich, is on the lookout for evidence that could allow Hezbollah to be recorded on the EU list of terrorist organsations, according to a spokesperson for the ministry who was quoted by AFP on 5 May. In a letter sent to his Cypriot and Bulgarian counterparts on 16 April, Friedrich asks for evidence that could provide proof of Hezbollah's terrorist activities on European soil. According to the spokesperson, no response has been received yet.
On 5 February the Bulgarian authorities said that they had proof of Hezbollah's involvement in the attack in Burgas on 18 July, and on 28 March a Cypriot lawcourt condemned a member of Hezbollah for having participated in the preparation of attacks against Israeli interests on the island of Cyprus.
According to a European source, the issue does not feature on the agenda of the next Council of Foreign Affairs as the investigation on Burgas is still ongoing for the moment.
Israel and the United States (see EUROPE 10780) have urged the EU to put Hezbollah on the list of terrorist organisations. This would require unanimity but France is still reluctant about this. (CG/transl.fl)