The Presidency of the European Union is deeply concerned at the recent outbreak of violence in Lebanon which killed over 50 people and injured numerous others.
It condemns in the strongest possible terms the attacks on Lebanese security forces and underlines its support for the government of Prime Minister Siniora. The Presidency also condemns the bomb attack of 20 May 2007 in Beirut which led to one fatality and caused several injuries. It conveys its sincere condolences to the family of the victim and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.
The Presidency calls on all sides in Lebanon to reject violence and to do everything possible to prevent the situation from escalating. It emphasizes the urgent need to meet the demands of the international community, and in particular to implement UN Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701. This includes enforcing the Lebanese state's sole right to the use of force and disarming all militias in Lebanon as the prerequisite for the permanent stabilization of the country.
