It’s been years in the works, but the European Union declared on Monday that the military wing of Hezbollah is a terrorist group.
A French diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity said all 28 members voted for the designation, The Associated Press reported.
The EU has long resisted labeling Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Critics of the idea said it would be near impossible to distinguish between the political and military wings, leading to further destabilization in Lebanon.
The EU designation means Hezbollah sympathizers in Europe will not be allowed to send any money to members, and European diplomats will not be allowed to meet with any members of the group, BBC reported.
The U.S. Treasury Department in August 2012 listed Hezbollah as a terrorist group for its ongoing support to Syria. The United States has considered it a global terrorist group since 1995.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.