BEIRUT: The head of the EU delegation to Beirut, Angelina Eichhorst, has told a local newspaper that it is essential to keep the country isolated from unrest in the region and said she expects European countries to increase their economic support of Lebanon.
An-Nahar Saturday quoted Eichhorst as saying the EU recognized Lebanon’s special circumstances given its past. She also said she believes the country’s stability is a priority and that it is essential that Lebanon be kept away from “disturbances.”
Asked about a planned visit by Prime Minister Najib Mikati to France and whether Europe is gradually opening its doors to the Lebanese prime minster, Eichhorst said it was important that Lebanon be supported given the potential risks posed by the unrest surrounding it.
Eichhorst added that she would discuss with Mikati a trip to the EU de facto capital Brussels and said Mikati is planning trips to several European capitals.
The EU envoy also said economic aid to Lebanon had remained the same and that she expected it to increase in 2013.