Extraordinary EU Council Meeting: Conclusions on Lebanon

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General Affairs and External Relations Council Conclusions on Lebanon:

The Council held an exchange of views with the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the situation in Lebanon.

Following this exchange of views, the Council expressed its strong will to see all parties in the region playing a constructive role in helping to implement UNSCR Resolution 1701.

The Council gave Kofi Annan its full support in his efforts to find ways to swiftly implement Resolution 1701. Aware of the urgency of the need to implement it, the Council welcomed Member States' willingness to contribute rapidly to the reinforcement of UNIFIL forces together with their international partners.

The Council stressed the important role of UNIFIL in assisting the deployment of the Lebanese Army to Southern Lebanon. The Council welcomed the elements provided by UNSG Kofi Annan on UNIFIL's operational framework.

The significant overall contribution of the Member States to UNIFIL demonstrates that the European Union is living up to its responsibilities. The Council welcomes Member States' intentions to commit a substantial number of troops to be deployed in Lebanon, as well as significant maritime and air assets, command, communications and logistical support. Additional contributions are likely to be made in the future. This gives a leadership role for the Union in UNIFIL.

In addition to UNIFIL contributions, the Council welcomed the EU Member States' readiness to provide support to the Lebanese Army. The European Union is ready to contribute to rebuilding a Lebanese State able to exercise full sovereignty over its territory.

The European Union has reiterated its determination to bring humanitarian relief to the people of Lebanon. To that end, the Council underlined the urgency of lifting the air and sea blockade, and, in the light of the relevant provisions of UNSCR 1701, recalled that establishing effective control measures, in the area of arms, related material, training or assistance, is therefore a priority.

The Council welcomes the Stockholm Conference for Lebanon's Early Recovery that will be hosted by the Swedish Government on 31 August. The Council emphasized that humanitarian aid, early recovery and reconstruction efforts must be conducted under the authority of the Lebanese Government and in the context of its national plan for rehabilitation, reform and development.

The Council renewed its commitment to promote a comprehensive peace plan for the Middle East in close cooperation with international partners and the countries in the region.

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• EU Presidency Statement - Financing of UN Peacekeeping forces in the Middle East: UN Interim Force in Lebanon  (13/12/2006)
• Statement by EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner on the assassination of Pierre Gemayel (22/11/2006)
• Lebanon: EU Commission grants another €30m for victims of fighting (20/10/2006)
• EU Parliament President Borrell pledges "steadfast commitment" to Lebanon (19/9/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process (15/9/2006)
• Middle East and Russia on the Agenda of the Informal EU Foreign Minister Meeting (31/8/2006)
• Lebanon: European Commission pledges €42 million for early recovery (30/8/2006)
• EU Foreign Ministers Commit Increased Numbers of Troops to Lebanon (25/8/2006)
• Statement by Commission President José Manuel Barroso on the EU's Role in Lebanon  (24/8/2006)
• Contributions to UNIFIL: Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of the European Union on Friday 25 August  (23/8/2006)
• Israel/Lebanon: EU Welcomes UN Resolution (14/8/2006)
• Lebanon: Statement by EU Commission President Barroso (11/8/2006)
• EU Response to conflict in Lebanon (8/8/2006)