The European Union Foreign Affairs Council Thursday decided to extend the framework for imposing targeted sanctions to address the situation in Lebanon for an additional year, until 31 July 2024.

This framework, originally adopted on 30 July 2021, provides the possibility of imposing sanctions against persons and entities who are responsible for undermining democracy or the rule of law in Lebanon, said the Council in a statement.

These include obstructing or undermining the democratic political process, undermining plans to improve accountability and good governance in the public sector, and serious financial misconduct.

Sanctions consist of a travel ban to the EU and an asset freeze for persons and an asset freeze for entities.

In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to listed persons and entities.

The EU said it remains ready to use all its policy instruments to contribute to a sustainable way out of the current crisis.

It is of the utmost importance for the Lebanese leadership to put aside their differences and work together to form a government, stressed the Council statement.

Swift presidential elections, government formation, and municipal elections are more essential than ever, it added.

Source: Kuwait News Agency