Mogherini affirms EU's backing to Lebanon

BEIRUT, Dec 9 (KUNA) -- EU foreign police chief Federica Mogherini reaffirmed the European Union political and security support for Lebanon, as well as helping the country cope with influx of Syrian refugees.
Mogherini, speaking to reporters after a meeting with Prime Minister Tammam Salam, acknowledged that Lebanon was facing security risks specially at the border regions because of the bloody conflict in neighboring Syria, coupled with threats posed by extremists locally.
She called for the doubling of action to help Lebanon cope with the huge numbers of Syrian refugees as well as backing the security authorities.
Mogherini met earlier in the day with Lebanese foreign minister Jibran Bassil and the Maronite patriarch.
Lebanon has been witnessing a flurry of visits by western diplomats to discuss security and political matters in the country and the region. (end) ayb.bs