Council conclusions on Lebanon – EU press release/Non-UN document

COUNCIL OF
THE EUROPEAN UNION

EN
Brussels, 16 March 2005

Council conclusions on Lebanon

1. The Council reaffirms its support for a sovereign, independent and democratic Lebanon and applauds the attachment to those values shown by the Lebanese people.

The Council takes note of the reappointment of the outgoing Prime Minister to form a new government. It hopes to see the early formation of a new government, able to act in the interests of all Lebanese.

2. The Council reiterates its call for full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1559, without delay.

In this connection the Council expresses its full support for the mission of the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the implementation of Resolution 1559.

3. The Council calls on Syria to implement rapidly the pledges made by President Bashar al-Assad on 12 March 2005 to withdraw all Syrian troops and intelligence services from Lebanon.

4. The Council emphasises that Syrian troops and intelligence services must be withdrawn completely, in accordance with a precise timetable.