A statement on Lebanon by the foreign ministers of Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden & the United Kingdom (UK).
As ministers of foreign affairs, they represented Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden & the UK, calling for the inclusion of Lebanon in regional de-escalation efforts. They also appealed to all parties concerned to work towards a lasting political solution. The continued sustenance of the Lebanese war increases the risk of the present regional de-escalation. The de-escalation is certainly very welcome by us but may need to be fully respected by all concerned parties.
The Lebanese President Aoun’s initiative to open direct talks with Israel is welcomed. The same welcome also applies to Israel’s acceptance to commence talks facilitated by the United States. Therefore, both parties are called on to exploit this opportunity for peaceful negotiations. Direct negotiations may pave the way to bring lasting security for Lebanon & Israel, besides the entire Middle Eastern region. They were ready to support all parties concerned. As such, they called upon all parties to urgently de-escalate. Additionally, they aimed to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the current fortnight-long ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.
In the strongest terms, they condemned the attacks of Lebanese Hezbollah against Israel. Such attacks may need to cease immediately. Furthermore, in the strongest terms, they condemned the massive Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Wednesday, 8 April ‘26. Referring to this Israeli strike, guided by the latest information shared by Lebanese authorities, it has resulted in more than 350 deaths, besides the wounding of more than 1,000 innocent civilians. Once again, international humanitarian law mandates the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
They unequivocally condemned the attacks against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Ensuring the safety and security of UN peacekeepers at all times is imperative.
