Lebanon Responds to French Initiative to Curb Escalation in the South

Reuters reported on a letter sent by the Lebanese Foreign Ministry to the French Embassy in Beirut, stating that Beirut believes the French initiative regarding the military developments with Israel and the southern borders "could be an important step" towards peace and security in Lebanon and the region. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry noted that United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 was the "cornerstone for achieving lasting stability," emphasizing that "Lebanon does not seek war," but wants to stop Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty on land, air, and sea. It also added that once the violations cease, Lebanon will commit to resuming indirect tripartite meetings with the United Nations peacekeeping forces and Israel to "discuss all disputes and reach an agreement on the full and comprehensive implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701."