Arab League Affirms Support for Lebanon’s Sovereignty Amid External Pressures

BEIRUT: The Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmad Abulgheit, reaffirmed the organization's support for Lebanon's sovereignty on Saturday, emphasizing the country's right to independently negotiate a ceasefire and implement United Nations Resolution 1701. Abulgheit's comments come in response to Iran's recent declaration of willingness to engage in talks with France regarding the resolution's implementation. According to Kuwait News Agency, Abulgheit addressed journalists, stating that the Arab League's position is unequivocal, underscoring Lebanon's full sovereignty. He expressed his endorsement of Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati's rejection of Iran's overtures, highlighting that no external party should exert influence or infringe upon Lebanon's autonomy. "There must be no custodianship from any party or exerting pressure or breaching the Lebanese sovereignty and we stand by Lebanon in this regard," Abulgheit stated emphatically. The Secretary General further stressed that Lebanon's on going struggles should not be leveraged as a tool in negotiations by any external entities. His remarks reflect a broader sentiment within the Arab League supporting the nation's self-determination in the face of international negotiations and interventions.