Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird, fresh off a two-week trip to the Middle East, has called on the European Union to designate Hezbollah, which he calls “a grave threat to security and stability in the Middle East and beyond.” Designating Hezbollah in Europe would severely impact the terror group’s fundraising efforts on the Continent, which its own leaders have acknowledged would be a sharp blow to the organization.

Baird’s comments follow the March release by a leading Balkan-based website of a report on Israeli security concerns in the region. In the report, experts warn of the security threat posed by Hezbollah and Iran against Jewish and Israeli targets in the Balkans. The report draws from interviews with leading Israeli counter-terrorism experts, including one who described the Balkans as a “weak link” in the European chain where terror operatives could more easily carry out attacks against Jewish and Israeli populations.

According to the report, despite increased cooperation between Israel and Balkan security officials, “porous borders, rampant corruption, underdeveloped regions and relatively lax security” all contribute to the increased threat posed by Hezbollah and its chief sponsor, Iran.

Dr Karmon tells Balkanalysis.com that “there is a clear pattern. Iran begins [in small countries] with diplomatic relations, investment promises and cultural relations. But all Iranian diplomatic and cultural activities carried out are under the control of their intelligence services.”

According to the report, despite increased cooperation between Israel and Balkan security officials, “porous borders, rampant corruption, underdeveloped regions and relatively lax security” all contribute to the increased threat posed by Hezbollah and its chief sponsor, Iran.

[Photo: IsraeliPM / YouTube]