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Mikati: Implementation of UN resolution key to restoring calm to southern Lebanon

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati (Photo by Anadolu news agency)

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati says the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 33-day 2006 Israeli onslaught on the country, is key to the restoration of stability along the border.

“The primary approach to restoring calm to southern Lebanon is to stop the ongoing Israeli aggression and fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” Mikati said in a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Beirut on Wednesday.

He said the top German diplomat’s third visit to Lebanon within months “demonstrates Germany’s keen interest in Lebanon, its stability, and avoiding risks.”

“Lebanon values Germany’s active participation in UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) and the ongoing cooperation between Germany and the Lebanese army,” Mikati stated.

The caretaker Lebanese prime minister also underscored the “urgent need to halt Israeli aggression on Gaza, declare a comprehensive ceasefire, return to the [so-called] two-state solution, and enable the Palestinian people to achieve their rights.”

For her part, Baerbock called for de-escalation amid growing tensions along the border.

“The situation along the Blue Line is delicate and the risks are present. Therefore, there should be cooperation among all parties to deescalate.”

Baerbock also called for reaching “a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which would in turn reflect on a ceasefire in southern Lebanon.”

Lebanon’s resistance movement Hezbollah has been carrying out almost daily rocket attacks on Israeli positions in retaliation for the regime’s aggression against Lebanon and in solidarity with Palestinians.

The genocidal campaign in Gaza has killed over 37,700 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, since early October.

At least 480 people have also been killed on the Lebanese border, including 93 civilians, according to a tally by AFP.

Two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006 were met with strong resistance from Hezbollah, resulting in the retreat of the regime in both conflicts.


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