EU Links Aid to Government, Says Sanctions on the Table
The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stressed after talks with President Michel Aoun on Saturday that introducing reforms and forming a new government are imperative for any assistance the crisis-hit country could receive from foreign countries.
He also said that sanctions on parties obstructing the formation of a government are “on the table.”
“Reforms in Lebanon and the formation of a government are conditional for any EU assistance for Lebanon,” said Borell, noting that it was his first official visit as EU representative.
“We are extremely concerned about the economic crisis in Lebanon. I am here today on behalf of the EU to express support for the Lebanese people. We are ready to continue to support Lebanon and its people,” he said.
He said the EU has provided millions of euros in assistance for Lebanon in 2020 that amounted to around one million euros per day.
“In coordination with the US we provided direct help for the Lebanes people. We have other tools to help the Lebanes as soon as we see tangible progress in the government,” he added, stressing no assistance without a cabinet line-up.
The “EU is willing to provide more help but we have to see tangible reforms. We are ready to study and look into the loas and aid assistance programs to relaunch the Lebanese economy.”
Borrell said the crisis in Lebanon is self-made and “local” with grave consequences on the Lebanese people. “Lebanese leaders must shoulder their responsibility and place needed measures without any delay.”
On reported sanctions the EU and France plan to impose on Lebanese officials obstructing the formation process, he said: “We prefer not to have to resort to sanctions, but this is all in the hands of the Lebanese leadership.”
“Sanctions are on the table and we are studying them, if they are implemented, it will be to motivate the political class to find solutions,” he said.
On the refugees file, he said the EU “understands the burden they have on Lebanon. Lebanon has been a haven for refugees from war-torn neighboring countries.”
However, he noted that the presence of refugees must not be blamed for Lebanon’s crisis which is the result of mismanagement.
Source: Naharnet
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