European Parliamentary Delegation Holds Onto Lebanon”s Independence
The head of a three-member European parliamentary delegation said Thursday that the EU holds onto Lebanon”s independence.
"We are neither here to teach lessons nor interfere in internal affairs. There are laws that are improving continuously," Beatrice Patrie said during a press conference in Beirut.
The delegation, which arrived in Beirut on Monday, has met with President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri, Premier Fouad Saniora and other officials and members of non-governmental organizations.
She said the visit that ends on Friday is aimed at improving friendship ties between the European Union and Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
On stability in Lebanon, Patrie said: "We are aware that this is an internal issue in Lebanon and our delegation is not entitled to interfere in that. But we hold onto Lebanon”s independence."
Patrie said the European Union will send two types of election observers to Lebanon.
"There will be a monitoring delegation and a delegation from the European parliament that will arrive the day of the elections," she said.
The monitoring delegation will arrive in Lebanon this month and stay till the end of the polls, she added.