UN and EU welcome ceasefire in Lebanon

United Nation Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire announcement between Lebanon and the Israeli enemy. He expressed his hope that this agreement would put an end to the violence, destruction and suffering of civilians.

The United Nations News Center reported that in a statement, Guterres urged“the parties to fully respect and urgently implement all obligations under the agreement, and to take immediate steps towards the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.”

For her part, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, welcomed the ceasefire announcement, saying in this regard: “The agreement represents a starting point for a delicate process, based on the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, which will restore the safety and security that civilians deserve.”

In Turn, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, confirmed in a post on his official account on the X platform that “the Lebanese have the right to regain their full sovereignty over the country’s affairs, and the agreement on a ceasefire is a relief in light of the situation in the Middle East.” He explained that “it has now become of utmost importance that the ceasefire holds to ensure the safety of Lebanese citizens and the return of the displaced.”

In a post on his official account on the X platform, European Council President Charles Michel considered the ceasefire in Lebanon to be a necessary step towards easing tensions in the Middle East. He noted that “the rapid implementation of this resolution must ensure the safety of civilians, and the comprehensive implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 is essential.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the decision, saying in a statement: “The ceasefire announcement is very encouraging news, and Lebanon will have the opportunity to enhance security and stability.”

The ceasefire was announced last night, with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati calling on the Israeli enemy to fully commit to the ceasefire decision that was reached, withdraw from all Lebanese areas and sites it occupies, and fully abide by international resolution 1701.

Souha Suleiman