Catherine Ashton strongly condemns attacks by Syrian forces on Lebanese soil

EUROPEA/ U/IO/

Brussels, 21 March 2013

A 158/13

Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative

Catherine Ashton on attacks by Syrian forces on Lebanese soil

The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and

Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"The High Representative strongly condemns the attacks on targets on Lebanese soil by the Syrian

armed forces. These actions constitute a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty. Attacks against any of

the neighbouring countries are unacceptable.

Lebanon is not party to the Syrian conflict and has publicly dissociated itself from that conflict. This

needs to be respected by all sides in Syria, by all actors in Lebanon, as well as third countries. The

EU reiterates its commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and

unity.

The High Representative has repeatedly warned of a possible spill-over of the Syrian conflict and is

reiterating her call on all actors in the international community alongside with the EU to actively

contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict."

_____________________

P R E S S

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 584 9780- [email protected]

Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - [email protected]

Sebastien Brabant +32 460 75 09 98 - [email protected]

/abila Massrali +32 460 754 175 - +32 2 29 69218 - /[email protected]

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بيان المتحدث باسم الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون يدين بشدة هجمات قوات النظام السوري على أهداف في الأراضي اللبنانية، ويحذر من امتداد الصراع السوري.