British Foreign Secretary David Cameron underlined on Thursday “the priority of ending hostilities in Gaza to pave the way for further steps towards a settlement” of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
His comments came during talks in Beirut with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Army Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Aoun.
During his meeting with Cameron, Mikati reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to a “peaceful solution in the region,” stressing that “British support to the Lebanese army is fundamental in promoting this approach.”
Mikati also affirmed that “Lebanon is in favor of the strict application of international resolutions, in particular United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701,” and he also reaffirmed the cooperation between the army and the UN peacekeeping force in the South (UNIFIL).
The talks focused on the need to restore calm in South Lebanon and on the political and diplomatic solutions required. Discussions also tackled the role of the army and ways to reinforce its capabilities. They addressed methods to boost cooperation with UNIFIL and implement Resolution 1701.
The meeting was attended by British Minister of State for the Middle East Tariq Ahmad, British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell and Mikati’s advisors, former minister Nicolas Nahas, Ambassador Boutros Assaker and Ziad Mikati.
For his part, Berri told Cameron that “Israeli attacks targeting civilians and residential neighborhoods in the border regions of southern Lebanon constitute a violation of Resolution 1701 and also violate the rules of engagement,” adding that “Lebanon has insisted on the full implementation of this resolution since its adoption.”
On the long-stalled presidential election, Berri stressed the need for “a consensus among the Lebanese to elect a head of state in order to introduce the necessary reforms and promote economic recovery.”
Cameron’s discussions with the Army’s Commander-in-Chief, General Joseph Aoun, focused on the general situation in Lebanon and the region as well as the explosive situation on the southern border.
Cameron and his accompanying delegation expressed London’s support for the Lebanese army, particularly in the context of the exceptional circumstances Lebanon is experiencing.
