EU foreign policy chief reiterates support for Lebanese army
CAIRO: Having met with President Hosni Mubarak and Arab League chief Amr Moussa in Cairo, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana told reporters that the EU is looking to reduce tensions in the region and Solana’s Middle East tour is geared towards that aim.
“We must see now how we can reduce tension in the region. We are determined to help and to work with that purpose, Solana said.
Already, the EU has agreed to take on a greater role in monitoring the Egypt-Gaza border especially at the Rafah crossing. A decision to extend the role of the EU Border Assistance Mission for another 12 months (with an option to extend for a further six months) was taken on Monday.
Solana described relations with Egypt as very close. “We share a vision on how to cooperate, he said, “our cooperation with Egypt is almost perfect.
Solana’s visit to Egypt was part of a wider Mideast tour which began Monday and will see him also meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders after leaving Egypt.
Solana also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora in Beirut on the 22nd, where he gave his full support for the Lebanese army in the recent conflict to blight Lebanon but stopped short of condoning military strikes on Palestinian refugee camps.
“I have come to Beirut today to show our support for Prime Minister Siniora and his government, Solana said in a press conference with Lebanese foreign Minister Tarek Mitri. “It is not for me to say if the Lebanese army should enter the camps . but I hope their behaviour meets with the high moral values and principles in protecting civilians.
The Lebanese army have carried out military strikes in the Nahr Al-Bared camp, where they claim Al-Qaeda maintains a presence.
