Hezbollah refuses to meet EU delegation

The leadership of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah ?reportedly refused to meet with a European Union delegation on Monday, depite a request from EU Ambassador to Beirut , Angelina ?Eichhorst. The delegation wanted to discuss circumstances surrounding EU’s listing of the group’s military wing as a terrorist organisation. Sources close to Eichhorst said the EU is keen to maintain ties with the Lebanese government and the different segments of the Lebanese population. The sources furthermore said the decision should not have any implications for the ?current relationship between the EU and Lebanon in light of currently implemented projects and ?the coordination of aid for Syrian refugees or in regards to European countries taking part in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Eichhorst is scheduled to meet with caretaker Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour Tuesday afternoon to discuss the same issues. Few hours before his meeting with Eichhorst, Mansour said “the cabinet should hold an extraordinary session since the EU decision on Hezbollah affects all political life. All Lebanese people should now unite since division would delay the formation of a new government and would have a negative impact on tourism and the economy.” “Most importantly and what everyone should keep in mind is that Israel, backed by 28 European countries, will find ?an excuse to strike Hezbollah sites in Lebanon or what it ?considers its military wing,”? Mansour added. Mansour said he regretted that the decision will most likely force some sides to enter in political overbidding to demand ?extreme measures against Hezbollah. Hezbollah has so far only issued a brief statement saying it deemed the EU decision to be ?aggressive and unjust and not based on any real evidence.? Hezbollah also accused EU countries of bowing under to pressure from the US and Israel. "It looks as if the decision was written by American hands and with Israeli ink. The ?EU only had to add its signature of approval.”? the group said.