“It is imperative to avoid regional escalation in the Middle East. It is necessary to avoid Lebanon being dragged into a regional conflict,” Borrell said during a press conference with his Lebanese counterpart, Abdallah Bou Habib.

The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, embarked on his two-day diplomatic mission to Lebanon by meeting with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib.

Bou Habib affirmed, during a press conference with Borrell at the Foreign Ministry on Saturday afternoon, that the “Lebanese government seeks to reduce the escalation and exercise restraint,” emphasizing that “the government seeks to avoid a war that will have serious repercussions on the southern border of Lebanon.” The Foreign Minister mentioned to Borrell the “statements of some Israeli officials” and the “negative repercussions” that can occur because of it, and discussed “finding a peaceful solution to the repercussions of the war on the border with Israel” while stressing the importance of Europe’s role in a peaceful solution. “The security of Lebanon and Europe has a common fate; we believe in the importance of strengthening bilateral relations with Europe.”

“The pressure that Lebanon is suffering as a result of displacement has exceeded all ceilings,” Bou Habib pleaded.

For his part, the European Union Foreign Policy Chief warned against a regional conflict that would involve Lebanon, as border clashes intensified nearly three months into Israel’s war with Hezbollah ally Hamas.

“It is imperative to avoid regional escalation in the Middle East. It is necessary to avoid Lebanon being dragged into a regional conflict,” Borrell said during the press conference with his Lebanese counterpart.

He noted that “Lebanon stands on the front line of the current conflict and everything that happens in the Middle East resonates in Lebanon, whether negatively or positively,” emphasizing the necessity to avoid the current escalation in Lebanon.”

He said that they agreed with the European Union to work on reducing the escalation through diplomatic channels. He considered that “no one will achieve victory in the regional conflict, we must avoid the current war and diplomacy can find a better solution.”

Borrell underlined the importance of “acting immediately to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza,” stating that “100% of Gaza’s population suffers from food insecurity, the humanitarian situation in Gaza exceeds the scale of the disaster and we cannot continue to watch the suffering of civilians in Gaza and witness settler violence in the West Bank.”

He said that Gaza “cannot be isolated from the West Bank as it is an essential part of the Palestinian territories, and the two-state solution is unanimously agreed upon by the international community.” “Gaza must be part of the future Palestinian state,” he concluded.

Mikati – Borrell

Earlier in the day, the EU Foreign Policy Chief met with Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at his Beirut residence. Discussions revolved around cooperation between the Lebanese government and the European Union on social, economic and administrative reform matters.

Regarding the war in Gaza and the cross-border exchange of fire between Hezbollah and the Israeli army in the south, Mikati emphasized that “we are advocates of peace, not war, and we seek to achieve stability.”

He highlighted that “we are engaged in necessary communications in this regard because any large-scale explosion in southern Lebanon will lead the region to widespread detonation.”

Mikati stressed Lebanon’s “commitment to implementing UN Resolution 1701, and that its full implementation first requires halting Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and withdrawing from Lebanese territories that are still under occupation.” He called for “a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue by granting Palestinians their fair rights.”

Regarding the Syrian refugee crisis, the PM emphasized the “necessity to resolve the Syrian refugees’ issue by supporting them in their home country to encourage their return.”

For his part, Borrell stated on his X account (formerly Twitter) that “the situation in southern Lebanon, the impact of the Gaza war and the situation in Syria were at the heart of discussions with the PM. “

“We agreed to work together through diplomacy towards de-escalation and long-term stability, which are in the interest of everyone,” he added.

Berri – Borrell

Afterward, the EU Foreign Policy Chief headed to Ain el-Tineh to meet with Speaker of the House Nabih Berri. They discussed for an hour and ten minutes, in the presence of the European Union Ambassador to Lebanon, Sandra De Waele, the general situation and the political and field developments in Lebanon and the region in light of Israel’s continued aggression on Gaza and southern Lebanese regions.

During the meeting, Borrell expressed his “deep concern about the ongoing war in Gaza and his keenness to prevent its expansion towards Lebanon.” He conveyed his “apprehension about Israeli escalation, emphasizing the necessity for the priority to halt the war in Gaza because that is the gateway to restoring calm to Lebanon.” “Once that happens, it will facilitate discussions on the full implementation of the provisions of Resolution 1701,” he said.

For his part, Berri reiterated to Borrell Lebanon’s commitment to international legitimacy and its relevant resolutions, particularly Resolution 1701, affirming that the path to its implementation begins with Israel ceasing its aggression and withdrawing from all Lebanese occupied territories.

He acknowledged the participation of European Union countries as part of the UNIFIL forces and their role over decades as witnesses to Israeli violations and attacks on southern Lebanon and its people, as they do today.

On the internal political level, Berri emphasized the importance of accomplishing the presidential deadlines irrespective of the repercussions of Israel’s aggressive war. He revealed his constant readiness to cooperate with the efforts of the Quintet Committee to achieve this deadline.

Lázaro – Borrell

Borrell then met with UN Head of Mission and Force Commander Aroldo Lázaro with whom he discussed the current situation along the Blue Line and the importance of preventing further escalation. UNIFIL stated that seeking a diplomatic solution is not only possible but also necessary.

“Pursuing a diplomatic solution is not only possible, but essential,” Lázaro said.

For his part, Borrell said that he was briefed by Lázaro on the current escalation risks along the Blue Line and reaffirmed the EU’s strong support to the UN mission, which plays a crucial role in preventing and mitigating escalation.” He commended UNIFIL’S commitment.