Borrell, ‘the weapons must be silent, immediate truce in Lebanon’

Brussels (ANSA) – “The weapons must be silent, there must be an immediate truce in Lebanon”. The EU High Representative Josep Borrell summed up in a heartfelt appeal the position of the 27 after he urgently convened the European foreign ministers, via videoconference, to analyze the dramatic developments on the ground and refine common positions. Also because the humanitarian situation “is rapidly deteriorating” and the displaced people have already reached “one million” in just a few days.

The reality, however, is that a ground operation by Israeli forces is increasingly likely – perhaps a matter of hours – and therefore a new necessity is already emerging: evacuations. Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, during the meeting, informed his colleagues that many Italians have already left the country but that the government is ready to provide assistance in case of an “emergency evacuation”.

Tajani also suggested to “coordinate efforts” for the protection of all Union citizens who may find themselves in difficulty. “This is the moment of truth for Lebanon,” Borrell stressed. “Hezbollah’s attacks must end, Lebanon’s independence must be respected and further military actions must be avoided,” he added, specifying that “in the current emergency situation, the United Nations Unifil mission in Lebanon plays a fundamental role in stability”.

“The safety and security of the United Nations peacekeeping forces,” he said, “is fundamental: we call on all parties to protect and support the important Unifil mission” (September 30).