Brussels, 24/05/2005 (Agence Europe) - On Monday the External Relations Council welcomed the decision of the Lebanese government to accept the deployment of European observers at the forthcoming general elections. In this context ministers reaffirmed their support for the government's aim of accomplishing the objectives it has set out, notably the organisation, according to the planned deadlines, of free and democratic elections, free of violence and any foreign interference, according to election methods acceptable to all parties. The Council notes that in the context of Resolution 1559, and the withdrawal of Syrian troops and intelligence services, confirmation was still needed. It reaffirmed its support for the international independent enquiry into the assassination of Rafic Hariri, which has just been worked out in compliance with United Nations Resolution 1595.
The Council also adopted a decision for trade, authorising the signing of a temporary application of an interim protocol of agreement on trade with the Lebanon, which will take into account the accession of ten new Member States to the EU.