European Union adds Hezbollah's military wing to terrorism list
- 11 years ago
The European Union put the armed wing of Lebanon's Hezbollah on its terrorism blacklist on Monday.
The move was driven in part by concerns over Hezbollah's role in the Syrian war.
Its militia has fought alongside pro-government forces, helping turn the tide of that conflict.
Hezbollah Parliament member Alwalid Sukkarieh rejected the EU decision.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) HEZBOLLAH MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT ALWALID SUKKARIEH SAYING:
"This step won't affect Hezbollah or the resistance. The resistance is present on the Lebanese territories and not in Europe. It is not a terrorist group to commit acts of terror in Europe."
Hezbollah was established three decades ago, to fight Israel after its invasion of Lebanon.
Israeli leaders welcomed the news that its armed wing will be hit with EU sanctions.
Justice Minister Tzipi Livni.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI JUSTICE MINISTER TZIPI LIVNI, WHO HAS SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEA
The move was driven in part by concerns over Hezbollah's role in the Syrian war.
Its militia has fought alongside pro-government forces, helping turn the tide of that conflict.
Hezbollah Parliament member Alwalid Sukkarieh rejected the EU decision.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) HEZBOLLAH MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT ALWALID SUKKARIEH SAYING:
"This step won't affect Hezbollah or the resistance. The resistance is present on the Lebanese territories and not in Europe. It is not a terrorist group to commit acts of terror in Europe."
Hezbollah was established three decades ago, to fight Israel after its invasion of Lebanon.
Israeli leaders welcomed the news that its armed wing will be hit with EU sanctions.
Justice Minister Tzipi Livni.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI JUSTICE MINISTER TZIPI LIVNI, WHO HAS SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEA