French Foreign Minister's statement on Israel and Hezbollah: 'No one has an interest'

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne visited Lebanon. Sejourne met with numerous officials, including Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. He also visited the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Naqoura. 

HE WILL DELIVER THE SAME MESSAGE

Addressing the tension between Israel and Hezbollah during his UNIFIL visit, Sejourne said, "We reject the worst-case scenario. No one has an interest in Israel and Hezbollah continuing this tension. That is my message." Sejourne stated that he would deliver the same message during his visit to Israel on Tuesday. 

FOR LASTING PEACE

Referring to the proposal he presented during his first visit to Beirut last January, which called for Hezbollah units to withdraw at least 10 kilometers from the Israeli border and for Israel to halt its attacks on Southern Lebanon, Sejourne expressed that they have made significant progress in recent talks and will continue to negotiate in the coming weeks. Sejourne emphasized that the proposals they will present to Lebanese officials to prevent war are aimed at increasing regional stability and ensuring lasting peace. 

Prime Minister Mikati stated that Lebanon is evaluating France's proposal and is preparing to provide a response regarding various aspects of it, adding, "The French initiative creates a practical framework for the implementation of Resolution 1701, which Lebanon is committed to fully implementing, while also demanding that Israel adhere to this resolution and stop its destructive aggression against Southern Lebanon." 

Hezbollah had previously announced that they would not engage in concrete negotiations until a ceasefire is reached in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that stability in Lebanon is directly linked to the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

News Source: 12punto