Lebanese President and Spanish Defence Minister Discuss Ceasefire Development and Bilateral Relations
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Synopsis
On January 21, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the necessity for Israel to withdraw from disputed territories during discussions with Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles. The meeting highlighted rising tensions at the border and the importance of adhering to the recent ceasefire agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged Israel's withdrawal from disputed territories.
- The meeting with Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles addressed rising border tensions.
- Failure to comply with the ceasefire agreement could destabilize the region.
- Support for UN peacekeeping operations in Lebanon was reaffirmed.
- Residents returned home after Lebanese Army deployments in Bint Jbeil and Ainata.
Beirut, Jan 21 (NationPress) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged for an immediate withdrawal of Israel from contested territories during a meeting with Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles on Tuesday.
The discussions took place amid escalating tensions at the border, further complicated by breaches of a recent ceasefire agreement.
Aoun cautioned that Israel's potential inability to adhere to the deadlines outlined in the November 27 ceasefire accord could further destabilize the region and obstruct reconstruction efforts in the border areas. According to the agreement, Israeli forces are obligated to withdraw by January 26.
The gathering at Baabda Palace coincided with reports of Israeli military activities near the southern town of Bint Jbeil. Lebanon's National News Agency reported incidents of Israeli forces demolishing property gates and firing in the vicinity. Additionally, artillery fire targeted the Sedana Heights near Shebaa earlier on Tuesday.
Robles reaffirmed Spain's support for Lebanon and emphasized the necessity for Israel to comply with the established withdrawal schedule. She also reiterated Spain's commitment to the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), where Spanish troops operate under the command of UNIFIL Commander Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, according to the Xinhua news agency.
In a separate conversation, Lebanese Defence Minister Maurice Slim expressed appreciation for Spain's military aid, while condemning what he referred to as Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and UN Resolution 1701.
On Monday, residents of the southern Lebanese border town of Bint Jbeil and the nearby village of Ainata returned home following the completion of Lebanese Army deployments in these areas, which a five-member committee composed of the US, France, Lebanon, Israel, and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) declared safe.
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on November 27, 2024, bringing an end to nearly 14 months of conflict. The pact requires Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days, allowing the Lebanese Army to take control of security along the Lebanese-Israeli border and in the southern region, ensuring that the area south of the Litani River remains free from weapons and militants.
