BEIRUT (LEBANON) (ITALPRESS) – The European Council today adopted a decision establishing a European Union Support Mission in Lebanon (EUSM Lebanon) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s stability, sovereignty and state institutions. The mission will have an initial mandate of three years. The European Council said in a statement.

The mission will contribute to peace and security in Lebanon, support the strengthening of state institutions and promote lasting stability in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. In this context, the mission will work to strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Internal Security Forces (ISF), as well as support maritime security governance.

EUSM Lebanon will comprise a military component and a civilian component, operating under a unified political mandate and carrying out complementary tasks within their respective areas of responsibility. The military component will provide advice and training to strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces in border security and maritime security, including land border surveillance and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, counter-smuggling activities and operational coordination.

The civilian component will support the Internal Security Forces through specialised advice and training aimed at strengthening their operational capabilities and developing sustainable training structures for the ISF, including in areas such as combating cybercrime and smuggling. It will also provide support for strengthening port security governance, including at the Port of Beirut.

The mission will also facilitate and complement EU assistance provided through the European Peace Facility and will coordinate closely with EU institutions, Member States, the United Nations and other international partners supporting Lebanon’s security sector. The Council will adopt a separate decision to launch EUSM Lebanon once operational planning has been completed.

– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews