Lebanese Govt. Rejects EU’s Hezbollah Blacklisting, Will Seek to Reverse It

Local Editor

Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Tuesday that the government rejects the European Union’s decision to put Hezbollah’s military wing on its list of “terrorist organizations”.

During an Iftar banquet at orphans’ house in Beirut, Mikati said Lebanon would work with the European Union to reverse the decision. “The Lebanese government rejects this decision and will seek to reverse it through its nonstop contacts with all EU member states”.

“We did not wish to see this decision adopted because it would have negative impacts on Lebanon and all parties in Lebanon”, Mikati said. “We call on everyone to sacrifice their narrow political interests for the sake of the country’s interest”, Mikati added.

The premier said he was hoping the EU would refrain from designating Hezbollah’s military wing as a “terrorist organization” due to the possible “negative impact on Lebanon and the Lebanese components”.

The caretaker PM said Lebanon would be following up the issue through diplomatic channels. “We will follow up on the issue through the diplomatic means that preserve the best ties between Lebanon and Europe and the international community, and here I will reiterate what I have always been saying: Lebanon has no enemy but Israel and Lebanon with all its components is keen on its Arab and international relations”.

Source: Al Manar