Keating Statement on EU Hezbollah Designation

Statement

Yesterday, the European Union designated the military wing of Hezbollah a terrorist organization. Below is a statement made last night by Rep. Bill Keating, who is Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, in response to this announcement:

Mr. Speaker, today, the European Union (EU) demonstrated its commitment to global security as the 28 EU member states spoke as one voice to condemn Hezbollah's deadly attack in Burgas, Bulgaria last year, and for plotting a similar attack in Cyprus.

As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, I feel that it is difficult to determine where Hezbollah's civilian wing ends and militant one begins, but the EU's decision to designate the military wing of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization is a welcomed step. This designation will send a clear message to the international community that freedom-espousing democracies will not stand idly by in the face of coercive tactics and aggression by Hezbollah's leaders, militants, and their foreign financers.

I am confident that following today's decision, more governments will follow suit and see Hezbollah for what it truly is- a terrorist organization devoted to violence against innocent people both within and beyond Lebanon's borders.

Source