Brussels, Belgium. Cypriot members of the European Parliament called for increased support for Lebanon amid an insurgency by Iran-backed militia Hezbollah and an ongoing invasion by Israel, as skirmishes continued despite a ceasefire.
Fourlas urges substantial aid and stronger diplomacy
Disy MEP Loucas Fourlas said he wished to “express my full and undivided solidarity with the people of Lebanon”.
He said the ceasefire should be seen as “a real opportunity for substantial de-escalation” and added that “diplomatic efforts should be strengthened to draw up a credible roadmap towards lasting stability in the region”.
Fourlas said that “for Cyprus, my homeland, this crisis is also next door”.
“At night, we can see the flashes from the missiles flying in our region. As a frontline country, we are receiving increasing flows of refugees as a result of these conflicts,” he said.
He said “we cannot speak of European solidarity selectively” and that “aid to Lebanon and its people must be substantial”.
“We need to support state structures and ensure unhindered access to those affected. Stability in Lebanon is a European responsibility, our responsibility, and this must be understood. Peace is achieved not with words, but with consistency, determination and actions,” he said.
Georgiou criticises Israel’s invasion and European silence
Akel MEP Giorgos Georgiou criticised the Israeli government’s invasion of Lebanon and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asking, “how much blood must be shed to satisfy Netanyahu’s thirst?”.
“Gaza, Syria, the Golan Heights, now Lebanon. Thousands dead, a million displaced and the international community criminally absent, tacitly accepting the dominance of violence over international law,” he said.
He added that those in power in Europe are “keeping quiet since that is how you want it”.
What actions do you think the European Union should take to support Lebanon under the current conditions?
