(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA))
BRUSSELS, Sept 16 (KUNA) -- The European Parliament Thursday called on political leaders in Lebanon to implement "meaningful and deep economic and governance reforms, " including to restore economic stability and the credibility of the financial sector.
In a resolution adopted by 575 votes in favour, 71 against and 39 abstentions, the EP calls on the European Commission and EU member states to engage constructively with the new Lebanese government in delivering the reforms required to unlock significant EU macro-financial assistance.
The Lebanese authorities should resume talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as soon as possible to support struggling people in Lebanon through reforms, stresses the resolution.
Calling the present situation in the country "a man-made disaster caused by a handful of men across the ruling political class", it urges Lebanese leaders to be a credible and accountable government that will uphold free and fair elections, dismantle corruption practices and provide basic public services.
Elections in May 2022 must by no means be postponed, given the political stalemate and increasing dysfunction of state institutions, it warns.
The resolution calls on the EU to release additional humanitarian aid, given the dire conditions on the ground, in particular food aid and hospital and pharmaceutical material, and provide alternative energy resources, channelled through well-known non-governmental, civil or faith-based organisations that can deliver on reforms, rather than through public entities.
Noting the vulnerability of Syrian and Palestine refugees in Lebanon, the resolution stresses the need to provide adequate funding to UNRWA and other actors to ensure essential services are provided to refugee communities in the country.
Finally, the resolution calls for targeted sanctions to be used against corrupt leaders and those responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Lebanon. (end)
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