EU Observers

Interior Minister Ziad Baroud signed on Wednesday a memorandum of understanding with the European Union Ambassador to Lebanon Patrick Laurent that included provisions for a donation of four million Euros to assist Lebanon’s electoral process.

Laurent said that the coming 2009 parliamentary elections would be an opportunity for the Lebanese people to renew their democracy and political life, adding that the electoral law, ratified in September 2008, was a basic first step that respected international standards for organizing free, fair and transparent elections.

Further to this, The Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mrs. Rodi Kratsa (pictured) visited Lebanon, as head of a Delegation of Members of the European People’s Party-European Democrats (EPP-ED). During her visit, the Vice-President and the other members of the Delegation held meetings with the President of Lebanon, H.E. General Michel Sleiman and the Prime Minister, Mr. Fouad Siniora.

Mrs. Kratsa stated in reference to the possibility of sending EU Observers to Lebanon: “It is my belief that this action will strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and trust between the EU and Lebanon . I, myself, had participated in the electoral observers’ mission of the 2005 elections. I believe that the upcoming elections will be held in a democratic manner and will allow Lebanon to have a strong Government, able to make brave decisions for the modernization of the country and for its development."