EP - Situation in Lebanon

Motions for resolutions - Situation in Lebanon
Doc.: B6-0149/2005, B6-0150/2005, B6-0151/2005, B6-0175/2005, B6-0181/2005, B6-0183/2005
Vote : 10.03.2005

In adopting a joint resolution with 473 votes in favour, 8 against and 33 abstentions on the situation in Lebanon, MEPs consider that, if clear evidence exists of terrorist activities by Hezbollah, the Council should take all necessary steps to curtail them. During the debate, the EPP-ED, IND/DEM and the UEN called for Hezbollah to be placed on the list of terrorist organisations. Other groups were more reticent; the ALDE group stated that it depended on Hezbollah engagement in the Middle East peace process. The European Parliament strongly welcomes the positive development in the Middle East region in the last month, including revitalisation of the negotiation process between Israel and Palestine, and calls on Syria not to tolerate any form of terrorism, including support for the operations of Hezbollah and other armed groups.

The House calls on Syria to fully cooperate with the European Union in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy to ensure peace and stability in the region. MEPs recall the great importance of implementing Resolution 1559 affirming the international community's support for Lebanon's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. The House calls on Syria to refrain from all interference in Lebanon's internal affairs. MEPs note the decision to withdraw Syrian forces before the end of March, but calls for the complete withdrawal of Syrian troops and of its intelligence services from Lebanon, as indicated in the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. Parliament considers that the conclusion of the Association Agreement with Syria and further development of the European Neighbourhood Policy towards that country will be possible only on the basis of a clear commitment by Syria to that end.

Parliament calls, pursuant to the statement made by the UN Security Council President on 15 February 2005, for every effort to be made to ascertain the causes, circumstances and consequences of this attack. The House calls on the Lebanese authorities to continue to cooperate with the UN's fact-finding mission. MEPs believe that this crime must not thwart the electoral process in Lebanon, and stress the importance of free, democratic and transparent parliamentary elections in that country. Finally, MEPs reiterate their call for consideration to be given to a European Union observer mission to monitor the parliamentary elections in Lebanon, and call on the Commission to take all necessary measures in this regard.

| Top |

• EU deploys Election Observation Mission to Lebanon for Parliamentary Elections  (4/5/2005)