Defense Minister Meets Frontska: Call to End Conflict and Bloodshed in Gaza

The National Defense Minister in the caretaker government, Maurice Slim, met today, Monday, with the United Nations Special Coordinator in Lebanon, Joanna Frontska, in his office in Yarzeh. During the meeting, they discussed the general situation in the country, particularly the circumstances of the military institution and developments along the southern Lebanese border. Frontska reaffirmed the "UN's ongoing commitment to assist Lebanon in all areas, especially in supporting the Lebanese Army and strengthening cooperation and coordination between the army units and UNIFIL forces." She also briefed the Defense Minister on the UN's efforts to de-escalate tensions. For his part, Slim expressed his "high appreciation" for the positions of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding the conflict in the region and his efforts to reduce escalation. He emphasized "the necessity for the international community to strive to end the conflict and bloodshed in Gaza and to find a permanent and just solution in the region."