“This decision in terms of timing and content expresses contempt for justice,” Berri said in a statement, adding that the EU action was not matched with a clear cause.

“The decision serves Israel free of charge,” he added.

Berri’s remarks came as Prime minister-designate Tammam Salam hoped the EU would reconsider its decision, saying that labeling Hezbollah as terrorist group further complicates Lebanon’s political crisis.

“I hope the EU will reconsider its decision because such decision contradicts with the willingness of the countries of the European Union to help Lebanon overcome the complexities of its internal political situation,” he said.

For his part, Lebanese caretaker Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour has called for an emergency cabinet session to take a stance against the decision.

In remarks to several newspapers published on Tuesday, Mansour said: “The cabinet should hold an extraordinary session because this issue is linked to (Lebanon's) political life in general and would have repercussions” on the country.

“We should take the appropriate decision,” he added.

He warned that the Zionist entity would now find an EU-backed excuse to hit Hezbollah bases in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Higher Shiite Council Abdul Amir Qabalan condemned the European Union’s decision.

"We consider the EU decision an act of terrorism, and we call on the European Union to abolish this decision because it reflects injustice and avoidance," Qabalan said.

NJF/NJF