NNA – Caretaker Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, on Thursday held a joint press conference with EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, following their meeting at the Foreign Ministry.
Bou Habib described Borrell#39;s visit as quot;a significant message for Lebanonrdquo;, noting that ldquo;lasting peace in the region requires resolving the Palestinian issue.rdquo; Bou Habib also reaffirmed Lebanon#39;s commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
In turn, Borrell emphasized that quot;the full implementation of Resolution 1701 should pave the way for a comprehensive settlement, including the demarcation of land borders.quot; He also noted that quot;the Lebanese people seek peace, stability, and development, not war,quot; expressing concerns over quot;further regional escalation due to the war in Gaza.quot;
Borrell reiterated the European Union#39;s support for Lebanon, stating, quot;The EU stands with the Lebanese people.quot;
The EU diplomat also urged all parties to work towards de-escalation and called on Lebanese leaders to quot;act in the interest of Lebanon and its citizens, not external interests.quot;
Highlighting the need for economic reform, Borrell added, quot;Rebuilding the economy and restructuring banks are essential. We are ready to continue supporting Lebanon, but overcoming internal obstacles is a challenge only the Lebanese can address.quot;
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