UK urges deescalation on Blue Line as ministers visit Lebanon

UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, accompanied by Defense Secretary John Healey, ended a one-day visit to Lebanon yesterday, Thursday, the British embassy said.

This was Lammy’s first official visit to Lebanon as Foreign Secretary, following his call with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in his first week of office.

The Foreign Secretary called for “de-escalation along the Blue Line and the need for a diplomatic solution based on U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701,” the embassy said in a statement.

Lammy and Healey also met with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib and Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun.

Their discussions focused on tensions across the Lebanese southern border with Israel and the wider situation in the region.

The visit is part of the British Foreign Secretary’s regional visits over the past month, in which he reiterated the British Government's call for “de-escalation in the region, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and getting humanitarian aid into Gaza.”

“This is a worrying time for people in Lebanon: they have been through a lot in the past five years, including the terrible port explosion that claimed so many lives. I’m here on the ground meeting with influential figures to call for immediate de-escalation in the region,” Lammy said.

“I've raised my concerns about the on-going tensions between Lebanon and Israel and have highlighted the UK’s determination to avoid miscalculation,” he added.

Healey for his part said “de-escalation must be our primary focus as this region stands at a crossroads.”

“The loss of innocent life in recent weeks and months is unbearable. This has to end. All sides must step back from conflict and step up diplomacy. We will work with important partners like Qatar as our government leads a renewed push for peace,” he added.

British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell meanwhile said that “this is a very important visit” by Lammy and Healey.

“The situation across the Blue Line remains fragile and escalation is in no one's interest. In his meetings, the Foreign Secretary stressed the need for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution based on UNSCR 1701,” Cowell said.

“The joint visit reaffirms the UK's long-standing commitment and support for Lebanon's security and stability, including as a steadfast partner to the Lebanese Armed Forces,” he added.