Brussels, 19/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - The Foreign Affairs Council may decide on Monday 22 July to add the military wing of Hezbollah to the EU's list of terrorist organisations.
On Friday 19 July, a diplomat explained that, although agreement has not yet been reached, no country is expected to veto it and there is a certain meeting of minds on the matter. The decision remains in doubt because a number of countries, including Ireland, Malta, the Czech Republic and Italy, are concerned about the potential repercussions on stability.
Another European diplomat said that the member states want to continue to supply humanitarian aid to Lebanon and remain in contact with all the country's political forces. Some say that the military arm of Hezbollah could be added to the terror list solely because of attacks in Bulgaria and Cyprus, but others say that attacks in Syria should also be taken into account.
If a political decision is taken, then implementation of it will be tricky because of the close connections between the armed wing and the rest of Hezbollah, explained a high-ranking European official. Another source said that such a decision would be possible because countries like the United Kingdom have already done so.
On Friday 19 July, the Lebanese ambassador to the EU met the secretary general of the EU's diplomatic service, Pierre Vimont, to express Lebanon's opposition to the idea.
Ministers to discuss Egypt, Syria and the Middle East
The ministers will discuss the situation in Egypt following Catherine Ashton's recent flying visits and will call for the release of former president Mohamed Morsi.
The ministers will also discuss the Middle East peace process and a conclusions document may be produced expressing support for the United States' work in the area.
Ashton will report on the EU's contribution to international diplomatic efforts in Syria and the humanitarian situation on the ground.
The ministers will express concern about the lack of progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina in terms of moving closer to the EU. (CG and AN/transl.fl)