During a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday 14 November, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and Lebanon's Minister for Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil stated that “there should not be any external interference” in Lebanon. The previous day, the EU's foreign ministers had shown concern about possible interference (see EUROPE 11903).
“Regional dynamics and tensions should not affect the country’s national agenda, that has to stay focused on Lebanon and the Lebanese citizens”, Mogherini and Bassil said in a press release from the European External Action Service (EEAS).
Mogherini reiterated the importance of ensuring that all political parties in Lebanon continue to work together, “building on these domestic achievements, and preventing any escalation in the country”. “The stability, unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country are to be preserved”, she added, stating that the European Union will continue to support Lebanon in this respect. She also reaffirmed European support for Lebanon's institutions.
Mogherini and Bassil said they had agreed to stay in contact. “Close contacts will continue also with Prime Minister Hariri, through the EU’s diplomatic channels”, the EEAS stated, adding that Mogherini expects the prime minister and his family to return to Lebanon in the coming days. The head of the EU delegation in Saudi Arabia has met Hariri. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)