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News Releases
No. 77/06
September 7, 2006
EU WELCOMES ISRAEL'S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE BLOCKADE OF LEBANON IS TO BE LIFTED
 Following Israel's announcement today that it will lift its air and sea blockade
of Lebanon,
Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU
External Relations Commissioner, said:
"I am very relieved that the blockade, which Israel has maintained since the
recent conflict, will be lifted today. This action, which is in line with UN
Security Council Resolution 1701, is a key step on the road to normalization and
rehabilitation in Lebanon. Free access to the country’s harbors and airports is
crucial to the revival of the country: first for the delivery of aid, but also
for the process of economic recovery. It is important that the Lebanese
government extend its control over all Lebanese territory and exercise its full
sovereignty. There should be no weapons without its consent and no authority
other than that of the Government of Lebanon. The Commission is ready to work
with the Government and international partners to help bring this about."
Louis Michel, EU
Development and
Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, also expressed
satisfaction about the latest development. "A lot of Lebanese are still
suffering in the aftermath of the conflict," he pointed out, "and the fact that
relief items can now enter the country without hindrance will make a significant
difference to people's lives."
Further Contact Information
Press and Public Diplomacy
Delegation of the European Commission
2300 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
http://www.eurunion.org/PressRoom
Tel: 202-862-9552
Fax: 202-429-1766
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