Spain and Lebanon urge a ceasefire and condemn Israel’s attacks against the UN
The governments of Spain and Lebanon have urged this Monday for a permanent and immediate ceasefire that restores Lebanon’s sovereignty over its territory. In addition, they have condemned the attacks against UN troops in Lebanon (Unifil) and the armed forces of this country. In a joint statement, both countries have demanded that United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 be fully implemented and the return to their homes of those displaced on both sides of the Blue Line be guaranteed.
Both governments have also condemned the attacks against medical personnel, health facilities, journalists and civilians and have demanded full respect for International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Conventions. The statement was made public after the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, held a conversation with his Lebanese counterpart, within the framework of the meeting of the Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean held in Barcelona.
Albares, in an interview on RNE, said that there is “the risk” that Gaza could be completely destroyed and it will no longer be possible to build the Palestinian State and that is why, in this forum, he will defend the urgency of the two-state solution. . With a “realistic and viable” Palestinian State, he said, asking the entire international community to “take action on the matter” and sanction all those, on whatever side, who “try to make it impossible” to resolve the conflicts. two states.
Regarding the escalation between Israel and Iran, he stated that he was worried because the war is spreading regionally and a confrontation between both parties “would take us to the realm of the unthinkable, of the unknown.” However, he has also acknowledged that the two countries “are measuring a lot” about their response, although he has warned that at any time one of the two can misinterpret the other’s action “and everything can get out of hand.”
The minister has been convinced that “nothing indicates that Netanyahu is going to give up his military efforts” and does not expect the war to end soon, “all the more reason” – he stressed – for efforts to be redoubled in favor of peace and a ceasefire.
In the statement, Spain and Lebanon have called on to work together to stabilize the situation in the south of the country and to build lasting peace in the region. The Government of Spain has reiterated its willingness to continue contributing to alleviate the serious humanitarian crisis in the country and reinforce support through Spanish Cooperation, including to support the stabilization phase. (Efe)
