Arab League Insists on International Cover for UNIFIL... Salam Calls for Arab Support for Recovery and Reconstruction

Beirut – Mansour Shaaban: President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun, during his meeting with Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy at Baabda Palace, stated that “Israel has not complied with the framework formula,” noting that “the South remains subject to daily violations.” He emphasized that these violations “will not yield results, but will only strengthen Lebanese resolve to defend their land and rights, while conversely, they do not help the Lebanese state achieve its stated objectives.”

President Aoun spoke of “Lebanon’s commitment to a diplomatic solution, despite its difficulties, as it is far less costly than the destructive war that Lebanese people, particularly those in the South, are paying the price for.” He affirmed that the time has come for Lebanon to find respite, welcoming “any effort or initiative undertaken by the Arab League to assist Lebanon in overcoming the difficult phase it is going through,” and noting that “the League has always stood by Lebanon through various stages.”

For his part, Fahmy said after his meeting with Aoun that “Lebanon is a priority for the Arab League and for him personally in his capacity as Secretary-General,” stressing “support for the Lebanese state and all its institutions, and standing by it politically, economically, and socially.” He announced his intention “to visit the South, given the repeated Israeli aggression against Lebanese citizens and interests,” and affirmed efforts to “direct the Arab League’s initiatives toward everything that could serve Lebanon and its state,” noting that “political and diplomatic activities regarding Lebanon will be intensified,” and highlighting “full Arab support for Lebanese negotiations with Israel.”

In Ain al-Tineh, Fahmy responded to a question after meeting Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, who had sent a telegram to Pope Francis congratulating him on the success of his surgery, regarding the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate. He stated that the Arab League’s position is firm: the presence of UNIFIL under a formal political cover from the United Nations is the best option, as it places the international community on the ground and holds it accountable for any exposure to the international community. Unfortunately, there is a strong trend toward ending this mandate; we are still trying to counter this. There are other proposals from countries to adopt a position in place of UNIFIL. Ultimately, this depends on two factors: first, there must be a positive Lebanese stance on this matter; second, and I believe this is also largely a Lebanese position, the forces involved must be given an international framework and international legitimacy, so that any infringement by the Israeli side is considered an infringement on an international position, not just on the positions of the participating states. We are working with Lebanon, of course, and with the international community to secure the borders with international forces, and I hope this will also be under international legitimacy through a comprehensive international resolution, although the matter is not easy.”

Fahmy visited Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam at the Presidential Palace (Saraya) in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Youssef Raji and Lebanon’s Ambassador to Cairo Ali Al-Halabi. Salam emphasized “the importance of continuing Arab support for Lebanon, particularly for the Lebanese state’s efforts to achieve the complete Israeli withdrawal from its territories and to extend its authority over all its lands through its own forces alone.” He also stressed “the importance of Arab countries supporting Lebanon in the path of return, recovery, and reconstruction.”