Europe

The EU adopts aid of 60 million to reinforce the Lebanese Army and allow it to return to the south of the country

The EU adopts aid of 60 million to reinforce the Lebanese Army and allow it to return to the south of the country

BRUSSELS Jan 21 () –

The European Union announced this Tuesday financial aid of 60 million euros to reinforce the Lebanese Armed Forces, in the third support package of this type that the European bloc allocates to the Lebanese Army in its intention for it to have a full presence in the country.

This item will contribute to consolidating the resources of the Lebanese Army, with the idea that it can redeploy in the south of the country and ensure and maintain the stability of this area, dominated until now by the Shiite militia of Hezbollah and that in recent months has been the subject of clashes with Israel.

According to the EU, the measure contributes to the protection of the civilian population in the region and aims to increase the operational capacity and effectiveness of the Lebanese forces.

By increasing national and regional security and stability, displaced civilians will be able to return to their homes in both Lebanon and Israel, defends the European bloc. The High Representative of the EU, Kaja Kallas, has assessed that this aid comes at a “critical moment” for the application of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel closed at the end of November.

“The Lebanese Armed Forces are essential for regional and national stability, and deserve our full support in carrying out their critical mission. The EU and its Member States are firmly committed to supporting Lebanese state institutions and renewing the EU-Lebanon partnership “, summarized the head of European diplomacy.

The departure announced by the EU comes in line with the aid of 115 million euros announced by the United States to consolidate Lebanon’s security forces, at a time of ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese Shiite militias of Hezbollah.

The November agreement stipulates that Israel will withdraw its forces in southern Lebanon within 60 days while the Lebanese Army will assume control of security in the area with the obligation to prevent new attacks by militias.

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