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The European Union officially welcomed, this Friday, the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, putting an end to nearly fourteen months of intense fighting which shook the region. In a statement issued by the European Union Delegation to Lebanon, the EU also commended the mediation efforts undertaken by France and the United States to reach this crucial agreement.
A call for full implementation of the ceasefire
“This is a significant achievement, which the EU and its Member States have been calling for throughout this year,” said the EU Delegation. The organization stressed the crucial importance of fully respecting the ceasefire as agreed, in order to guarantee the security of populations both in Lebanon and Israel. “Above all, this requires the commitment of both parties: the sovereignty of Lebanon and Israel must be fully respected and all cross-border attacks must stop,” she insisted.
The return of displaced people and regional stability
The EU highlighted the need to allow internally displaced people in both countries to return to their homes safely. The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people on both sides of the border, exacerbating an already precarious humanitarian situation. By calling on all regional and international actors to actively support the ceasefire, the European Union hopes that this agreement will become a permanent contribution to “regional peace and stability”.
The EU’s commitment to Lebanon
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing a wide range of instruments to support Lebanon in this critical period. Among these instruments is the European Peace Facilitywhich could be used to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon), so that United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 can be effectively and completely implemented on the ground.
Furthermore, the EU will continue to provide humanitarian assistance and engage in early recovery and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. “This is to support the Lebanese people affected by the conflict, including the countless internally displaced people,” the statement said. The Union added that it is particularly determined to further support the sovereignty of the Lebanese state and its state-building efforts.
A prolonged political crisis and a call to action
Lebanon has been without a president since the end of Michel Aoun’s mandate in October 2022, more than two years of presidential vacuum which have paralyzed the country’s institutions. The EU has issued an urgent appeal to Lebanese political leaders, stressing that they have “the opportunity – and the immense responsibility – to quickly put aside their differences and find a way out of the prolonged political and economic impasse” . The objective is that “all Lebanese share the same national future within the framework of a common, peaceful and prosperous Lebanese destiny”.
The European Union has insisted on the need to quickly elect a president to begin rebuilding a strong and sovereign Lebanese state. This message echoes calls from the international community for Lebanon to overcome its internal political divisions and embark on the path of reforms essential to its economic survival.
The role of France and the United States in mediation
France and the United States played a key role in mediating the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The two countries have increased diplomatic contacts to facilitate negotiations between the warring parties. The EU welcomed these efforts, calling them “essential contributions” to peace in the region.
The cessation of hostilities comes in a tense regional context, marked by regular clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, and increased tensions linked to other conflicts in the Middle East. The ceasefire is therefore seen as a positive step towards de-escalation and regional stability.
The importance of UN Security Council Resolution 1701
Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006, calls for a complete ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel and the implementation of measures to prevent the resumption of hostilities. The European Union reiterated its commitment to supporting the full implementation of this resolution. Strengthening the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL is seen as essential to maintaining peace along Lebanon’s southern border.
Humanitarian and economic challenges
The conflict has exacerbated an already critical economic situation in Lebanon. The country is facing one of the worst economic crises in its history, with a plummeting currency, galloping inflation and growing poverty. The destruction of infrastructure and the massive displacement of populations are putting additional pressure on the country’s limited resources.
The EU has indicated that it will continue its humanitarian assistance to respond to the urgent needs of the population. Recovery and reconstruction efforts will also be essential to restore basic services and support economic recovery.
The urgency of a political solution
The prolonged presidential vacancy has paralyzed the functioning of Lebanese institutions. Without a president, it is difficult for the government to implement necessary reforms or negotiate effectively with international donors. The European Union has stressed that political leaders must act quickly to elect a president and put the country back on the path to stability.
The EU statement insists that “Lebanese political leaders have a unique opportunity” to break the country out of the impasse. This requires overcoming the sectarian and political divisions that have long hampered progress in Lebanon.
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