Beirut, Apr. 2 (SANA) Fifteen European countries on Wednesday called on Israel to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to halt attacks against the country, according to a joint statement published by Lebanon’s National News Agency.
The statement expressed support for the Lebanese government’s decision to ensure that arms remain under state authority, and backed efforts aimed at disarming Hezbollah and ending its military activities.
The countries also condemned all attacks against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, which they said caused unacceptable losses among peacekeepers. They reaffirmed full support for the mission’s mandate.
The statement stressed that attacks targeting civilians, infrastructure, healthcare workers and journalists in Lebanon are unjustified and must stop immediately.
It urged all parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement issued in November 2024 and to fully implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, adding: “We strongly encourage Israel to respond to the Lebanese authorities’ call for direct negotiations.”
The European countries further called on the international community to mobilize additional support for Lebanon and its people.
The signatories include Belgium, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Moldova, Norway, Poland, San Marino, Spain and Sweden.
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