Hungarian Foreign Minister Calls for EU to Reach Out to President Bashar al-Assad
Hungary Urges EU to Maintain Stability in Lebanon and Address Refugee Crisis
Lebanon plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and avoiding escalation in the Middle East, according to Hungary’s minister of foreign affairs and trade, Peter Szijjarto. After meeting with Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib in Budapest, Szijjarto emphasized the importance of keeping Lebanon out of the war and urged the EU and the international community to take action.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Szijjarto highlighted the potential consequences of the Middle Eastern conflict spreading to other countries, warning that it could lead to a regional or even greater war. He stressed the need for Europe to prioritize Lebanon’s stability and urged the EU to release the 15 million euros designated for the country in the European Peace Facility.
Szijjarto also addressed the issue of the 1.5 million refugees currently residing in Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of enabling their return to Syria. He called on the international community to ensure a safe and stable environment for their repatriation, suggesting that the EU should reconsider its stance on contacting Bashar al-Assad or his government to address the refugee crisis.
Furthermore, Szijjarto underscored the role of Lebanon in containing illegal migration and maintaining Europe’s stability. He warned that neglecting the refugee situation in Lebanon could lead to further instability and urged the EU to reevaluate its foreign policy approach towards Syria.
In an effort to support Lebanon’s stability, Hungary will continue to contribute troops to the UN mission on the Israel-Lebanon border. Szijjarto reiterated the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges facing Lebanon and the broader Middle East region.
As the situation in the Middle East remains precarious, Szijjarto’s call for EU action highlights the urgency of addressing the refugee crisis and maintaining stability in Lebanon. The international community must work together to prevent further escalation and ensure a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts in the region.
