Italy's Commitment to Upholding the Ceasefire Between Lebanon and Israel: Foreign Minister
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Beirut, Jan 11 (NationPress) Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani announced that Italy will play a crucial role in upholding the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
During a meeting on Friday with the newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Beirut, Tajani stated that the president's election is significant not only for peace in Lebanon but also for stability throughout the Middle East, as indicated by a statement from the Lebanese Presidency.
Tajani emphasized the necessity of reinforcing the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. "Italy will have a role in this regard, particularly through its soldiers deployed with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)," he was quoted as saying.
He also noted that the president’s election would "enhance bilateral relations on economic and commercial fronts to benefit both nations," as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Referring to Joseph Aoun as "a friend of Italy," Tajani expressed Italy’s intention to collaborate with the Lebanese president moving forward.
In response, Aoun expressed gratitude towards Italy for its ongoing support for Lebanon, especially through its contributions to UNIFIL.
He affirmed that Lebanon is making consistent progress towards ensuring security and stability in the south.
Aoun highlighted that once constitutional institutions resume their operations after the formation of the new government, serious efforts will be initiated to revitalize Lebanon, allowing it to assume a leading role in the region and enhance its partnerships with Europe and Mediterranean nations.
Joseph Aoun, the former army chief of Lebanon, was elected president on Thursday.
Earlier, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged Israel to cease its violations of the ceasefire agreement as Israeli forces continued their withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Mikati reiterated "the demand to halt the Israeli security violations of the ceasefire, the ongoing attacks on southern towns, the systematic destruction of homes and facilities, and the infringement of Lebanese airspace" during a meeting with visiting US envoy Amos Hochstein.
He also called for "establishing a clear timeline for the completion of the Israeli withdrawal before the deadline of 60 days" stipulated by the agreement.
Hochstein, after discussions with Mikati and Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri, stated that the Israeli withdrawal would persist until all Israeli forces had exited Lebanese territory.
