Mikati in Spain says Israel must commit to ceasefire, withdraw from south
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati met Wednesday with his Spanish counterpart in Madrid. The two prime ministers discussed the relations between the two countries and the latest developments in Lebanon and the Middle east.
Mikati stressed the need for Israel to commit to a U.S and French-brokered ceasefire in Lebanon, to withdraw from southern towns where its troops are still present, and to fully implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez said Spain will provide more support for Lebanon's armed forces.
Spain has provided nearly 5,5 million euros in humanitarian aid for Lebanon in 2024 and over 12 tons of medicine and blankets.
Spain's Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz has been the head of the U.N. mission in Lebanon since 2022. There are currently some 650 Spanish troops in Lebanon among an international contingent of 10,000 soldiers from 49 countries. The UNIFIL soldiers are tasked with monitoring the Lebanese-Israeli border line.
Israel and Lebanon agreed on a ceasefire last month. During a 60-day transition period, the Israeli military would withdraw from southern Lebanon. Alongside U.N. peacekeepers, the Lebanese Army would be the exclusive armed presence in the south and would deploy in areas close to the border while Hezbollah would move north of the Litani River.
The United States and France, in addition to UNIFIL peacekeepers, will monitor violations and support the process.
Source: Naharnet
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/309740 |