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Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged London and Paris on Thursday to exert maximum pressure on Israel to prevent an escalation in southern Lebanon and the widening of the armed conflict in Gaza. He had two discussions on the subject with the British and French Foreign Ministers, David Cameron and Catherine Colonna.
During a visit to London, Mikati met with David Cameron and stressed the crucial need for “maximum” pressure to be applied on Israel to halt its attacks on southern Lebanon. Additionally, the Lebanese PM emphasized that “the ongoing Israeli provocations at the southern border could lead to an escalation and extend the armed conflict throughout the whole region.”
Mikati further reaffirmed that “the only way to bring an end to the Gaza war is through a ceasefire, followed by negotiations for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the establishment of two states” – one Palestinian and one Israeli. The Lebanese PM, who also discussed bilateral relations with the British minister, emphasized the importance of maintaining British assistance to the army. He stated that this aid is crucial as it “supports the efforts and work of the regular forces in the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is currently going through.”
In turn, David Cameron said that “an escalation in Gaza, Lebanon or the Red Sea would increase the overall risks and insecurity globally.” Mikati also discussed the same matter over the phone with French Minister of Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna. During the conversation, he conveyed his apprehensions regarding the escalating Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and the targeting of civilians. Mikati warned against an expansion of the armed conflict.
During a visit to London, Mikati met with David Cameron and stressed the crucial need for “maximum” pressure to be applied on Israel to halt its attacks on southern Lebanon. Additionally, the Lebanese PM emphasized that “the ongoing Israeli provocations at the southern border could lead to an escalation and extend the armed conflict throughout the whole region.”
Mikati further reaffirmed that “the only way to bring an end to the Gaza war is through a ceasefire, followed by negotiations for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the establishment of two states” – one Palestinian and one Israeli. The Lebanese PM, who also discussed bilateral relations with the British minister, emphasized the importance of maintaining British assistance to the army. He stated that this aid is crucial as it “supports the efforts and work of the regular forces in the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is currently going through.”
In turn, David Cameron said that “an escalation in Gaza, Lebanon or the Red Sea would increase the overall risks and insecurity globally.” Mikati also discussed the same matter over the phone with French Minister of Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna. During the conversation, he conveyed his apprehensions regarding the escalating Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and the targeting of civilians. Mikati warned against an expansion of the armed conflict.
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