The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States, between Lebanon and Israel is a renewed opportunity to end the conflict and achieve lasting peace and security. The EU trusts that Israel and Lebanon will continue direct negotiations in a constructive spirit. We urge all actors to fully abide by the terms of the agreement and reject any additional conditions from Hezbollah. All military action should cease immediately. Hezbollah must withdraw from the South Litani Sector. The EU also calls on Israel to withdraw from the Lebanese territory. The EU will continue to support the Lebanese government and is ready to support the implementation of an agreement between Israel and Lebanon. The people of Lebanon and Israel have the right to live in peace and security, in their homeplaces, free from the threat of renewed conflict. The Lebanese people are paying a heavy and unacceptable humanitarian and socio-economic price from the continued escalation and airstrikes. EU support to the Lebanese Armed Forces remains a decisive tool accompanying Lebanese government efforts to ensure state monopoly over arms across the whole territory. The new European Peace Facility assistance measure of €100 ml for the Lebanese Armed forces adopted on 4 June will directly support the reinforcement of their capacities to fulfil their endeavour. The EU demands the full implementation of UNSCR 1701 calling for the respect of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by Israel and the disarmament of non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah. All actors must respect international law, including international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must always be protected. The EU reaffirms its full support to UNIFIL and its mandate and strongly condemns all attacks against its personnel, including the killing of another UNIFIL soldier in the attacks of 4 June, the seventh peacekeeper to have died since March, and extends its deep condolences to his family. The killing of peacekeepers is a violation of international law and must be met with full accountability. A continued UN presence in Lebanon in the post-UNIFIL context remains essential to ensure the implementation of UNSCR 1701. In this context, we look forward to constructive discussions on the options presented to the UN Security Council by the UN Secretary General. | 
No comments:
Post a Comment