Brussels, 26/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - Following clashes between Sunnis and the Lebanese army which claimed several lives in Saïda, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton again urged all Lebanese parties, on 26 June, to exercise restraint and to respect fully the commitments made in the Baabda Declaration - a declaration from June 2012 which calls on Lebanon to dissociate itself from regional crises, including the Syrian crisis. Ashton stated that her “support goes to all those working to de-escalate tensions through dialogue and peaceful means”.
“The EU reiterates its commitment to Lebanon's peace, unity, sovereignty and independence”, Ashton underlined. She added that “the EU strongly supports all national institutions in their efforts to preserve peace and security. The EU also supports the judiciary in combating impunity and holding to account all those who resort to violence.” (CG/transl.fl)