Brussels: The foreign ministers of Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, the UK, and the High Representative of the European Union have issued a joint statement expressing their full support for the Lebanese Government and its people as they endure the ramifications of a conflict not of their making. The ministers conveyed their condolences to the victims' families and showed solidarity with the civilians affected by the ongoing war in Lebanon and Israel.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the joint statement places responsibility for the current crisis on Hezbollah, condemning its attacks in support of Iran against Israel. The ministers emphasized the urgent need to halt these actions to prevent further escalation of the regional conflict with Iran. They commended the Lebanese Government for its historic and courageous decisions aimed at preserving Lebanon's sovereignty and called for direct political negotiations between Lebanon and Israel to end the conflict and foster regional peace.
The statement underscored the ministers' commitment to supporting the Lebanese Government's efforts, encouraging the implementation of measures to restore full sovereignty, including the State's exclusive right to arms. They also pledged to back the Lebanese Armed Forces and Security Forces, highlighting plans to participate in an international support conference when feasible. The ministers urged Lebanon to pursue necessary financial and economic reforms in line with IMF guidelines to ensure long-term sovereignty.
The joint statement called for immediate de-escalation from all parties and adherence to the cessation of hostilities agreement and UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). It stressed the importance of protecting civilians, humanitarian workers, peacekeepers, and infrastructure, in accordance with international humanitarian law. The ministers expressed concern over the displacement of over one million people in Lebanon and urged Israel to avoid actions that could widen the conflict, emphasizing respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity.
The ministers reiterated their determination to support humanitarian efforts in Lebanon, urging the international community to aid in providing relief to those affected by the conflict. They also reaffirmed their strong support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and condemned recent attacks on its contingents. The statement called for the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and thanked them for their work under challenging conditions.