Brussels: Foreign Minister, Youssef Raggi, on Tuesday reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to asserting full sovereignty over its entire territory, as outlined in the Taif Agreement and reiterated in the ministerial declaration. Speaking at the 5th EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Raggi urged the European Union to support Lebanon's sovereign rights, provide guarantees to prevent future escalation, and launch a comprehensive initiative to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces-the only legitimate military force in the south alongside UNIFIL.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Raggi noted the army's expanded deployment south of the Litani River, expected to reach 10,000 troops, as a clear signal of Lebanon's determination to protect its sovereignty and stabilize the region.
Moreover, the Foreign Minister warned that the continued Israeli occupation of five strategic hills, despite U.S.- and French-brokered understandings, remains a key obstacle to de-escalation. He called on the EU to intensify diplomatic efforts to halt violations and to renew UNIFIL's mandate.
He also proposed a joint Euro-Arab conference for Lebanon's reconstruction and urged progress on the dignified return of Syrian refugees.
On the sidelines, Raggi met with several Arab and EU foreign ministers, including Syria's Assad al-Shibani and Spain's Jos© Manuel Albares, who is expected to visit Beirut this fall.