On Tuesday 19 December during her visit to Beirut, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, called on Lebanese political actors to take concrete action to promote the disassociation policy from regional conflicts, such as those in Palestine and Syria. During a press conference with the Lebanese Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, she explained, "We have seen the political institutions and political forces working together in unity. We are now waiting for this commitment to be renewed in support of the policy of disassociation being transformed into action and for it to be fully implemented and respected".
The High Representative emphasised that the EU was “probably the only power to have relations with all the different actors in the region”. She called on these actors to “show restraint and respect Lebanon, its stability, sovereignty, independence and unity".
Mogherini pointed out that the protection and continued strengthening of Lebanon’s independence and security was a priority for the EU. She said that she was pleased that Mr Hariri had returned to the Lebanon and that his government had resumed its activities. After having resigned in Saudi Arabia on 4 November (see EUROPE 11898), Mr Hariri changed his mind on 5 December. The Prime Minister made a commitment for general elections to be held “on time”. They had been planned for May 2018.
During the meeting between Mogherini, Hariri and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gebran Bassil, the refugee situation in Lebanon was discussed. According to the High Representative, the Syrians who would like to return should be able to do so when a dignified and safe return is possible. She explained, “I have the impression that it is still not the right moment”. In October, the Lebanese President, Michel Aoun, said that Syrian refugees should begin returning to calmer zones in their country. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)