EU-erklæring i forbindelse med at det er et år siden president Michel Sleiman gikk av

European Union

25 May

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU marking the passage of one year since former President Michel Sleiman of Lebanon left office

Today we mark the passage of one year since former President Michel Sleiman of Lebanon left office. This protracted Presidential vacuum poses serious risks for the country as a whole. It has undermined the functioning of all institutions and Lebanon's ability to address the difficult security, social and economic challenges facing the country.

The EU recalls the Presidential Statement adopted by the UNSC on March 19th. The EU calls on all political forces to take decisive action to elect a new President. It is crucial that all parties uphold the Constitution, fully implement the Taef Agreement, and the National Pact. The EU underlines the importance of dialogue among all political forces to overcome this deepening crisis. The EU supports Prime Minister Tammam Salam in his efforts to govern the country in such difficult times. The EU calls on all Members of the Parliament to uphold Lebanon's longstanding democratic tradition and to convene to elect a President without further delay in line with the Constitution. 

Now in its fifth year, the conflict in Syria continues to affect the stability of Lebanon. A new set of complex security threats are further exacerbating the crisis. The EU reiterates its commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Lebanon. The EU calls for a renewed commitment to the dissociation policy by all political parties, putting the interest of Lebanon and its stability first. The EU fully supports the efforts of all Lebanese security agencies to maintain stability and respond to the security challenges. That is why the EU has stepped up its assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces and to the security sector as a whole. 

Also of pressing concern is the refugee crisis. The EU commends the Lebanese authorities and population for their generous efforts to host, assist and protect the refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria and, at the same time, stresses the importance of upholding human rights and humanitarian principles. The EU welcomes the indispensable work of UNHCR as well as other UN agencies and international organisations in support of Syrian refugees and host communities in Lebanon. The EU will continue to fulfil its commitment as the largest donor in Lebanon addressing the growing needs of vulnerable communities and refugees. At the donor's conference in Kuwait at the end of March the EU pledged another 1.1 billion EUR including a multi-year humanitarian and development funding for refugees and host countries. 

The EU stands by Lebanon in its efforts to address these extraordinary challenges. Our commitment in support of Lebanon is firm and lasting. The EU reaffirms its strong partnership with Lebanon anchored in our common values of democracy, pluralism and rule of law. The EU highlights the importance of upholding Lebanon's freedom and diversity as a model of moderation in the entire region.

The Candidate Countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Serbia* and Albania*, the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this Declaration.

* - The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process