EU reaffirms strong support for Lebanon

BEIRUT, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The European Union's High Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini reaffirmed Tuesday the European Union's strong support for Lebanon in the wake of the November political crisis.

Mogherini met with Lebanon's President Michel Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil.

Aoun told the EU official that Lebanon appreciates the European Union's support and hopes its member states will participate effectively in global conferences aimed at supporting the country.

The president also reiterated his call for "a safe and gradual return for refugees to safe areas in Syria," noting that "there are no indications that there will be a political solution anytime soon."

Mogherini congratulated Aoun on the role he played during the crisis that followed Prime Minister Saad Hariri's shocking resignation announced from Riyadh, lauding his ability to preserve stability despite difficult situations.

Hariri announced his resignation in a televised speech from the Saudi capital Riyadh on Nov. 4. Aoun insisted the resignation be submitted to him in person.

Upon Hariri's return to participate in the National Day celebration, he met with Aoun and said that he is postponing the resignation upon the request of the president.

Hariri withdrew his resignation on Dec. 4 after all the parties represented in his government agreed on a statement disassociating Lebanon from the regional conflicts.

Following talks with Berri, Mogherini applauded the speaker's efforts during the crisis and the national unity that was demonstrated by the Lebanese.

Berri meanwhile thanked the EU over its "stances on Lebanon and the Palestinian cause, particularly Jerusalem," reported the National News Agency.

"Berri and Mogherini expressed identical viewpoints on the importance of achieving a political solution in Syria that would be in the interest of the region and Lebanon," the report added.

Mogherini expressed "satisfaction" at Hariri's return to Lebanon and said the EU expects full implementation by Lebanese parties of the dissociation policy aimed at insulating the country from regional conflicts.

At a joint press conference with Mogherini, Hariri emphasized that his priority is to "protect Lebanon and the Lebanese people from the regional flames."

An EU statement said the senior EU official would "reaffirm strong partnership and continued EU support to Lebanon's stability, security and prosperity."

The EU High Representative's second visit this year shows "the EU's strong and long-standing partnership with Lebanon," the EU delegation said in a statement.

The European Union will continue to "support Lebanon in meeting the challenges that lie ahead and remains committed to the country's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement added. Enditem