U.S. Welcomes Lithuania’s Ban of Hizballah as a Terrorist Organization
PRESS STATEMENT
MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE
AUGUST 15, 2020
Lithuania is demonstrating true leadership in Europe, and within the European Union, by labeling Hizballah as a terrorist organization in its entirety and banning Hizballah affiliates from entering its territory. Lithuania’s decisive action, which follows Germanys own ban on Hizballah on April 30, recognizes there is no distinction between Hizballah’s so-called “military and political wings. We urge other EU member states to stand firm against this terrorist organization, both at the national and EU level, with the objective of preventing Hizballah financers and members from operating on their territory.
At the bidding of its patron state Iran, Hizballahs terrorist attacks in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East have resulted in the wanton killing of hundreds of people and caused the misery of many thousands more. In Lebanon, Hizballah undermines sovereignty and governance, seeking to protect its arms and finances at the expense of the Lebanese people. Hizballah has no role to play in a constructive civil society, and it is to Lithuanias great credit to have taken this important step to further constrict Hizballahs activity in Europe.
