Brussels, 26/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 25 March, the European Commission stated that Lebanon was facing strong pressure due to the Syrian crisis.
The fourth year of conflict in Syria has undermined Lebanon's stability and increased the pressure on its institutions, economic activities, social balance and infrastructure, the Commission's progress report states. In the Commission's view, the weakening of Lebanon's institutions has not allowed the adoption or implementation of strategic political choices in the economic and social spheres. The Commission therefore calls for the functioning of the institutions to be re-established, for the election of a new president and for parliamentary elections “in the shortest possible timeframe”. Lebanon should also take measures to alleviate the burden of the deteriorating economic and social situation on the Lebanese people, and strengthen the national response to the crisis of the Syrian refugees.
The Commission states that Lebanon's security situation remained highly volatile in 2014 and degenerated in August with attacks on the security forces. Nevertheless, the country applies an effective security policy, the Commission adds. Continued stability and unity in Lebanon can be considered as the greatest achievement, the Commission states and it underlines that Lebanon should continue to maintain peace and stability, to promote moderation and dialogue, to defuse tension and ensure domestic security. Lebanon should also promote measures to fight against radicalisation. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)