The British embassy in Beirut distributed a statement indicating that Foreign Secretary David Lammy, along with Defense Secretary John Healey, concluded a one-day visit to Lebanon yesterday. This marks Lammy's first official visit to Lebanon as Foreign Secretary following his phone call with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in the first week of his tenure. The British Foreign Secretary called for "curbing the escalation along the Blue Line and the necessity for a diplomatic solution based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701." He stated, "This is a worrying time for the people of Lebanon: they have endured much over the past five years, including the horrific explosion at the Port of Beirut that claimed many lives. I am here on the ground to meet influential figures and to call for an immediate halt to the escalation in the region. I have expressed my concerns about the ongoing tensions between Lebanon and Israel and highlighted the UK’s commitment to prevent miscalculation."
For his part, the Defense Secretary said, "Curbing escalation must be our primary focus as this region stands at a crossroads. The loss of innocent lives in recent weeks and months is intolerable and must come to an end. All parties must step back from conflict and intensify diplomatic efforts. We will work with key partners like Qatar so that our government leads renewed efforts for peace."
This visit comes as part of the regional visits made by the Foreign Secretary over the past month, during which he reiterated the British government's call to reduce tensions in the region, implement an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of hostages, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
