20 January 2022
Following the statements by the International Support Group for Lebanon, and the Delegation of the European Union together with the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States in Lebanon, the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries, Isabel SANTOS (S&D, PT) said:
"My colleagues and I wholeheartedly endorse the statement issued on 19 January by the International Support Group for Lebanon as well as that by the Delegation of the European Union together with the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States in Lebanon, calling on Lebanese authorities to restore their decision-making capabilities by reconvening the Council of Ministers.
The European Parliament in September 2021 urged Lebanese leaders to keep their promises to the people of Lebanon and be a functional government that is mission-driven, credible and accountable; that leaves parliamentary divisions aside and that is free from foreign influence. This message was reinforced in November 2021 when the Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries travelled to Beirut to hold meetings with the highest levels of representation of the Lebanese Government and the National Assembly. During these meetings, the Delegation also stressed the need to progress with IMF negotiations and reforms as quickly as possible, to maintain elections as planned, and to fully staff and fund the Supervisory Committee on Elections. The Delegation also called for justice and accountability, and respect for independence of the judiciary.
The European Parliament stands by the Lebanese people and continues to closely monitor developments in Lebanon."
Background
On 19 January 2022, the International Support Group for Lebanon as well as the Delegation of the European Union together with the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States in Lebanon issued statements on the situation in Lebanon calling on Lebanese authorities to restore their decision-making capabilities by reconvening the Council of Ministers. This follows months of inaction during which the Council of Ministers has been suspended, thus preventing the government from taking action to address the multiple and dramatic crises Lebanon is facing.
Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP