The Lebanese Minister of National Defense in the caretaker government, Maurice Slim, affirmed Lebanon's commitment to stability in the region and adherence to international resolutions. He emphasized the importance of the international community making every effort to find a political solution to the ongoing conflict, based on international law and relevant international legal resolutions, and to establish justice and uphold rights.
During his meeting with French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu and the accompanying delegation at his office in Yarze, attended by French Ambassador Hervé Magro, Slim highlighted that "Israel's attacks on civilians in southern Lebanon, the destruction of homes, the burning of forests and orchards, and the use of internationally prohibited weapons constitute a violation of all that is stipulated in international laws and agreements."
Slim announced Lebanon's ongoing appreciation for the role of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon and its sacrifices over the decades, stressing Lebanon's commitment to the safety of this force and its continued fulfillment of its mandated tasks. He noted France's efforts to limit the escalation of the conflict and its development in the region.
For his part, Lecornu pointed to France's international efforts to de-escalate and prevent the expansion of the conflict, underlining the importance of maintaining stability in Lebanon. He reiterated France's support for Lebanon and its army, highlighting the crucial role of UNIFIL in the south in maintaining security and stability in its operational area.
