EU welcomes newly-formed Lebanese gov't

EU ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, when meeting with Lebanon's new Prime Minister Najib Mikati, recalled the remarks of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton who said earlier she has confidence that the new government will promptly adopt its Ministerial Declaration which will advance Lebanon's reform agenda.

The declaration will be key for determining the possibilities of the EU cooperation with Lebanon, the ambassador said, noting it is important the new government should have a full agreement on the need for Lebanon to uphold international obligations.

Mikati, for his part, said Lebanon's peace, stability and the unity of its people are the "red line" which the Lebanese will allow nobody to violate.

The new Lebanese government was formed on Monday after almost five months of deliberations.