EU Ambassador Says LAF 'Sole Providers of Security' in Lebanon

Ambassador Christina Lassen, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon, held talks Friday with Prime Minister Saad Hariri and stressed that the Lebanese Armed Forces and other state security and justice institutions are the “sole providers of security” in Lebanon.

Lassen's remarks came hours after Hizbullah launched a major operation in the outskirts of the border town of Arsal to oust jihadist militants from the area.

“In the context of reviewing the security situation at Lebanon's eastern border and the operations in Arsal, Ambassador Lassen reaffirmed the EU's commitment to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and other state security and justice institutions, as the sole providers of security, stability and order in the country while stressing the importance of abiding by international human rights law,” said a statement issued by the EU Delegation after the meeting.

Lassen also welcomed Hariri's “announcement to publish the results of the still ongoing investigation on the death of four detainees in LAF custody.”

Concerning the situation of refugees from Syria in Lebanon, Lassen expressed concern about the rising tensions and lauded “statements from the President and the Prime Minister denouncing recent attacks and divisive rhetoric.”