Ruptly
"EU chiefs attempted to convince the leaders of Syrian and Lebanon that the bloc was capable of providing real assistance - despite finding itself repeatedly sidelined on conflicts in Iran, Syria and Lebanon in recent weeks, months and years. It came following talks at the informal EU leaders summit in Nicosia on Friday. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides - whose country holds the presidency of the Council of the EU - claimed "we cannot reach de- escalation in Iran, in the region without the active participation of the European Union. Meanwhile Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, said "the European Union stands in full solidarity with your countries and your people. You can count on us." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added: "You cannot have stability in the Middle East or the Gulf while Lebanon is in flames." However, both their guests suggested to the EU chiefs that they were interested in true partnerships rather than the more traditional, one-sided deals seen historically with the Western bloc. Transitional president of Syrian Ahmed Al-Sharaa said during his own remarks that "we know that Europe needs Syria just as much as Syria needs Europe." Lebanon's Joseph Aoun said his own country wanted to be 'enhancing co-operation with our European partners' but "not just as a country facing challenges, but as a partner in building stability and promoting growth in the region.""
Go to News Site