The European Union has for the first time placed the military wing of the Lebanese Shi'ite Muslim group, Hezbollah, on its list of terrorist organisations.
The move came at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Belgium and required the agreement of all 28 of the EU's member states.
Santilla Chingaipe reports.
Under the decision by the EU, it will now be illegal for Hezbollah supporters in Europe to send money to the group's armed wing.
It also enables visa bans on individuals and asset freezes on organisations associated with the military wing, as well as making it illegal for European diplomats to meet with Hezbollah's militant staff.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton made the announcement after talks in Brussels.
"Due to concerns over the role of Hezbollah we've agreed to designate its military wing on the list of terrorist organisations. That does not prevent the continuation of dialogue with all political parties in Lebanon. We also agreed that the delivery of legitimate financial transfers to Lebanon, and delivery of assistance from the European Union and its member states will not be affected. And our position will be reviewed on a six-monthly basis."
Hezbollah functions both as a political party that is part of the Lebanese government and as a militia with thousands of armed fighters.
Hezbollah fought a bitter war with Israel in 2006 and more recently has admitted to providing military support to the Syrian government, in its fight against rebels.
Some EU member states have also blamed Hezbollah's military wing for a deadly attack on Israeli tourists in Bulgaria last year - a charge which Hezbollah denies.
By limiting the listing to the armed wing, the EU says it is trying to avoid damaging its relations with Lebanon's government, which had warned against the move.
Hezbollah does not formally divide itself into armed and political wings, but French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius says the EU can see two entities.
"Hezbollah - as a political organisation - is part of the Lebanese government. Since we want a stable Lebanon, we want the country to have a government and a political majority. However, with regards to terrorist actions, there is no way we accept a terrorist organisation to be active in Europe."
Hezbollah has rejected the accusation that it's been involved in terrorist actions.
Hezbollah member of the Lebanese parliament Alwalid Sukkarieh condemned the EU move.
"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. The resistance is different and this [terrorism] is religiously forbidden. Europe - by taking this decision - puts Europe in confrontation with this segment of people in our region, Hezbollah and its supporters and even all forces of confrontation in region."
Another Lebanese MP who opposes Hezbollah, Bassem al-Shaab, told the BBC, the EU decision is long overdue.
"It is a major blow to Hezbollah and not only to the military wing but also to the political wing and I have no doubt that it will produce collateral damage economically and politically in Lebanon. Hezbollah can no longer afford to antagonise the west, the European Union and half the Lebanese. It's just not possible."
The blacklisting paves the way for EU governments to freeze any assets Hezbollah's military wing may have in Europe.
The EU move was proposed by Britain, which already classifies Hezbollah as a terror group.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague says there will need to be further discussion about how the listing will lead to travel bans or other restrictions.
"That will depend on the way we implement this. Certainly this gives the additional powers over such bans, it also provides for preventing fundraising, for seizing funds that are raised, it helps law enforcement authorities in the countries of the EU to work together effectively in countering any further attempt at terrorism by Hezbollah. So in various practical ways it helps, but it also sends a strong signal of European countries working together on this."
Hezbollah's armed wing has also been listed as a terrorist group by other countries, including Australia and the Netherlands.
The United States and Canada have listed the group as a whole.
White House spokesman Jay Carney says the US welcomes the EU move.
"The EU's decision sends a strong message to Hezbollah that it cannot operate with impunity. This designation will have a significant impact on Hezbollah's opportunity to act freely in Europe by enabling European law enforcement agencies to crack down on Hezbollah fundraising activities and terrorist plotting on European soil."
The EU has listed more than 20 other groups as terrorist organisations, including several Palestinian entities, the Colombian rebel group FARC, and Peru's Shining Path.
Share
