News Releases

No. 63/06
July 26, 2006

EU CALLS FOR DEPLOYMENT OF INTERNATIONAL FORCE IN LEBANON

Speaking at the International Conference on Lebanon in Rome today, EU  External Relations Commissioner, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages and the deployment of an international force with a clear UN mandate.

"The killing of innocent civilians must stop; and it must stop now," said Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. "We need to alleviate the suffering of people throughout the region - in Lebanon and Israel, as well as in Gaza and the West Bank."

Speaking of the steps needed to end the crisis, Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner said, "…the framework for a durable solution has been set out by Secretary General Kofi Annan." She emphasized the need to work together with all the actors involved on a global political package. This would include the government of Prime Minister Siniora and the Lebanese National Dialogue, as well as implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1680.

"All those with influence on the parties involved, in the region and outside, should use it in support of these measures," said Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. "As European Commissioner responsible for the Neighborhood Policy, I am ready to play my part in this. Lebanon, Israel and Palestine are long-standing partners of the EU. We have Association Agreements and Action Plans with all of them. For Lebanon in particular, we can use these instruments, together with special help for reconstruction, to provide a perspective."

In addition to individual contributions by the EU Member States, the European Commission is mobilising a package of €20 million in emergency humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, and is planning further funding in response to the latest UN appeal. The aim is to increase the overall amount available to €50 million. The European Commission also announced today €11 million to assist in the evacuation of third country nationals.

"But financial resources are not enough," said Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. "Access is essential. Especially for the people most affected – those displaced or stranded in the South. The key elements are safe entry into and exit from Lebanon by land, sea and air; and the opening of humanitarian safe corridors within the country to ensure the distribution of assistance. Besides water, food, medicine and shelter, fuel supplies must also be ensured to allow health facilities and water pumps to run. Ensuring access requires our full engagement."

Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner, together with [EU Finnish Presidency's] Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, will travel to the Middle East July 27-28 for talks with leading figures in Israel, the Palestinian Territories and Lebanon. They will be accompanied by EU Special Representative Marc Otte (at right). The trip is a first opportunity for the EU to discuss with all sides the outcome of the international conference in Rome. On Thursday they expect to see Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. They will visit Gaza to witness the conditions on the ground for Palestinian civilians and to see the Temporary International Mechanism developed by the EU in action. On Friday the Minister and the Commissioner will go to Beirut to meet Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, and representatives of civil society. The visit will focus on the growing humanitarian crisis in both Lebanon and Gaza, and underline the need to move towards an end to hostilities.

For further information, please visit: http://www.eurunion.org/newsweb/HotTopics/mideast.htm .

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