Lebanese Parliament Speaker Berri urges resolution 1701 implementation

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
6 Jan 2024 18:31
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At a meeting with EU's Borrell, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri emphasized that Resolution 1701's implementation hinges on halting "Israel's" aggression and its full withdrawal from Lebanon.

EU Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell meets with Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri in Beirut, Lebanon, Dec. 6, 2023 (X, @JosepBorrellF)

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Saturday said that the implementation of Resolution 1701 begins with halting "Israel's" aggression and its withdrawal from the entire Lebanese territory.

The remarks were delivered during his meeting with the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

During the meeting, Borrell expressed concerns over the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip as he said "It is imperative to avoid regional escalation in the Middle East."

"It is absolutely necessary to avoid Lebanon being dragged into a regional conflict," Borrell said, adding that he thinks "the war can be prevented, has to be avoided and diplomacy can prevail."

Additionally, Borrell met with the acting Prime Minister of Lebanon Najib Mikati, and "agreed to work together through diplomacy towards de-escalation and long-term stability, which are in the interest of everyone," according to a post on X.

The situation in southern Lebanon, the impact of the Gaza war and the situation in Syria were at the heart of discussions with PM @Najib_Mikati .

We agreed to work together through diplomacy towards deescalation and long-term stability, which are in the interest of everyone. pic.twitter.com/qPdlnZjfGG
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) January 6, 2024

Borrell stated that escalation in the Middle East must be avoided to prevent Lebanon from being dragged into war. He conveyed to "Israel" that "no one wins in a regional conflict."

He emphasized the necessity of diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, urging action to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of captives.

Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to the ongoing Israeli aggression, he highlighted that 100% of the population is suffering from a food crisis according to the World Food Programme.

"We cannot continue to witness unbearable suffering for children, women, and innocent civilians," he said.

He also mentioned that Gaza cannot be isolated from the West Bank, being part of the territories occupied by "Israel" since 1967. He reiterated that the so-called "two-state solution" is the "only solution that achieves peace," noting that 90% of UN member states support it.

Upon his arrival to Lebanon, Borrell clarified in a post on X that he would hold "important meetings on the impact of the Gaza war on Lebanon and the region," emphasizing the priority of avoiding regional escalation.

This morning, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon targeted the "Miron" base with 62 rockets as part of the initial response to the assassination of the Al-Qassam Brigades commander Saleh al-Arouri and his comrades in the southern suburbs of Beirut. This action was in response to a clear Israeli violation of the rules of engagement with Lebanon.

In detail, the statement clarified that the launched missiles were of various types, causing direct and confirmed hits on the Israeli base.

The statement provided information about the significance of "Miron" and the importance of targeting it as a vital target for the Israeli occupation. It revealed that the base serves as the headquarters for administration, monitoring, and air control, situated on the summit of Mount Carmel in northern occupied Palestine. It is the highest peak in occupied Palestine and is considered the sole center in the northern part of the Israeli entity, with no viable alternative.