The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, arrived in Lebanon today, Saturday, and visited caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at his residence in Beirut. During his meeting with Borrell, Mikati emphasized the need to resolve the issue of Syrian refugees by supporting them in their home country to encourage their return. In regard to the Israeli aggression against Gaza and southern Lebanon, he asserted, "We are seekers of peace, not advocates of war, and we aim to achieve stability. We are making the necessary contacts in this regard, as any large-scale explosion in southern Lebanon could lead the region to a comprehensive explosion." Mikati focused on "Lebanon's commitment to implement UN Resolution 1701," pointing out that "full implementation of this resolution requires, first and foremost, the cessation of Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and the withdrawal from Lebanese territories still under its occupation." He also called for efforts to establish a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue by granting Palestinians their rightful rights.
During the meeting, the existing cooperation between the Lebanese government and the European Union in social and economic issues and administrative reforms was also discussed. For his part, Borrell stated, "I agreed with the Lebanese Prime Minister to work through diplomacy to reduce tensions and achieve stability in the region." He added, "The priority is to avoid regional escalation and to advance diplomatic efforts to create conditions for achieving a just and lasting peace between Israel, Palestine, and in the region."
Borrell then moved with his accompanying delegation, in the presence of the EU Ambassador to Lebanon, Sandra Duval, to Ain al-Tineh to meet with the Speaker of the Parliament, Nabi Berri, where they reviewed the general situation and the political and field developments in Lebanon and the region in light of Israel's ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip and the southern Lebanese areas. The meeting between President Berri and the EU envoy lasted an hour and ten minutes, during which Borrell expressed his deep concern over the continuation of the war on Gaza and his desire to prevent its expansion into Lebanon, voicing his fears over Israeli escalation. He stressed that the priority must be to stop the war on Gaza, as this is the gateway to restoring calm in Lebanon, making it easier to pursue the complete implementation of Resolution 1701.
For his part, the Speaker of the Parliament acknowledged the participation of EU countries in the UNIFIL forces and their role over decades as witnesses to Israeli violations and assaults on southern Lebanon and its people, as they do today. Berri reiterated to Borrell Lebanon's commitment to international legitimacy and its relevant resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701, affirming that "the gateway to its implementation begins with stopping Israel's aggression and withdrawing from all occupied Lebanese territory."
On the internal political level, President Berri stressed "the importance of completing the presidential election process regardless of the repercussions of the aggressive war launched by Israel," revealing that he is always ready to cooperate with the efforts of the quintet committee to complete this process.
In the morning, Borrell met with the Head of the UNIFIL Mission, General Aroldo Lazaro, at the EU Mission headquarters. Borrell affirmed "the EU's support for the UNIFIL mission and its efforts to maintain stability along the Lebanese-Israeli borders."
Borell also had a bilateral meeting with Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Abdullah Bou Habib. Borrell said, "I am here today following my recent visit to Israel; I am here at a time when we witness the escalation between Lebanon and Israel, and I believe that war can be avoided, and we should avoid it, and diplomacy can prevail to find a better solution." He stressed in a press conference with Bou Habib that "it is essential to avoid escalation in the Middle East and prevent dragging Lebanon into war, as this is the last thing the country needs today." He also emphasized "the necessity of opening diplomatic channels, as war is not the only solution; we must act to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages, and we need sustained assistance for the people of Gaza, while international humanitarian law must be respected."
For his part, Bou Habib affirmed that "peace is of utmost importance to the Lebanese, and we are committed to it," noting that "the government seeks to avoid war, which would have catastrophic repercussions at both the regional and international levels." He added, "A political solution is the only way to put an end to decades of a long cycle of violence," explaining, "I discussed with Borrell the negative consequences of statements made by some Israeli officials." Bou Habib stated, "I emphasized the importance of activating and enhancing the partnership between Lebanon and the European Union, and we discussed the necessity of finding sustainable solutions that ensure a rapid return of Syrian refugees to their country," pointing out that "the pressure that Lebanon is facing due to the displacement crisis has exceeded all conceivable limits. If this crisis does not find its way to a solution, it will pose a danger to the existence and integrity of Lebanon."
