Szijjarto: Lebanon needs support, not sanctions to prevent spread of conflict

The world has entered “an era of dangers” and faces serious security challenges, as evidenced by the ongoing wars in both Hungary’s and Lebanon’s direct neighbourhoods, Szijjarto told a joint press conference with Gebran Bassil, the head of Lebanon’s Free Patriotic Movement, according to a ministry statement.

Hungary is growing “increasingly concerned” over the conflict in the Middle East, he said, adding that the country has friendly relations with Lebanon and a friendly and strategic partnership with Israel.

“We may not agree on this completely, but for us, it is unacceptable for a terrorist organisation to launch thousands of missiles at another country,” Szijjarto said. “That is why we consider the success of counter-terrorist operations to be a global interest, not just that of Israel.”

“At the same time, we also think that civilians should be protected, that the hostages should be released without delay, and … escalation of the Middle East conflict should be prevented,” the minister said.

Szijjarto warned of the risks of a regional or broader conflict, which he said would have “tragic consequences” for global security.

He said the Lebanese government played a significant role in preventing the war from escalating, adding that the international community and the EU should support the Middle Eastern country in this role.

“Support and help is needed, rather than threats of sanctions and blackmail and condescension,” he said. Hungary, he added, was prepared to help prevent another armed conflict.

Szijjarto said Hungary had so far done everything it could in this respect, noting that the government was aiding the local Christian community.

Hungary has so far provided 5.5 billion forints (EUR 14.3m) worth of aid to the local Christian community, he said, adding that it has renovated 33 churches so far and was renovating another 30. The government is also providing emergency aid to some 800 people in need of medical care for a period of four months, he said.

Hungary is also assisting in the operations of Christian hospitals and schools, aiding the rehabilitation of monasteries and orphanages, and offers scholarships to 50 Lebanese university students each year, the minister added.

Meanwhile, he pointed out that Lebanon also had to deal with the burden of caring for 1.5 million to 2 million Syrian refugees.

“We know full well that if you didn’t provide care for these people, they would set off towards Europe, and then we Europeans would be the ones faced with even more, serious security challenges, which Europe today does not seem as fit to handle,” Szijjarto said.