European Union designates Hezbollah's armed wing as terrorist group

The European Union on Monday designated the armed wing of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, drawing praise from the Obama administration, Israel and members of Congress.

Foreign ministers of all 28 EU countries agreed to the action, which makes it illegal for Europeans to send money to Hezbollah and freezes the Shiite group?s assets on the Continent.

The EU decision was motivated by concerns over Hezbollah?s role in a deadly bombing in Bulgaria last year and on-going involvement in Syria?s civil war on the side of embattled President Bashar Assad.

U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry praised the EU for sending ?a strong message to Hezbollah that it cannot operate with impunity, and that there are consequences for its actions.?

The EU designation will have a significant impact on Hezbollah?s ability to operate in Europe, Mr. Kerry said.

?As Hezbollah has deepened its support for the brutal Assad regime and worked to expand its global reach through increased involvement in international criminal schemes and terrorist plots around the world, a growing number of governments are recognizing Hezbollah as the dangerous and destabilizing terrorist organization that it is,? he said.

The U.S. already has blacklisted Hezbollah.

Hezbollah fighters have played a significant role in helping turn the tide of Syria?s civil war in Mr. Assad?s favor.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has admitted openly that his fighters support Mr. Assad.

In June, thousands of Hezbollah militants fighting alongside the Assad regime?s forces overran the strategic town of Qusair near the border with Lebanon, dealing a significant blow to Syrian rebels.

The Bulgarian government has linked Hezbollah to a suicide bombing on a bus in the Black Sea city of Burgas on July 18, 2012. Five Israeli tourists and the Bulgarian bus driver were killed.

Courts in Cyprus also have found a Hezbollah operative responsible for planning failed terrorist attacks on the island.

In Washington, members of Congress praised the EU decision.

Rep. Edward R. Rocye, California Republican and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the EU designation was ?an important step recognizing the grave threat Hezbollah poses to our mutual security.?

?This was a long time coming,? Mr. Royce added.

Source: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jul/22/european-union-designates-hezbollahs-armed-wing-te/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS

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