The leaders of the nine southern countries of the European Union at the MED9 Mediterranean Group summit in Cyprus announced their readiness to support the Lebanese armed forces to restore control over the southern regions of the country, where fighting between Israel has taken place. and Hezbollah. Associated Press Reports. The MED9 summit includes Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Slovenia, Portugal and Croatia.
In the final statement, the leaders emphasized that they would continue to support Lebanon and its people, and would also increase assistance to the Lebanese armed forces, which play an important role in stabilizing the situation. The leaders also expressed deep concern about the growing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on the broader region, including Lebanon, where the confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah is intensifying.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the return of the Lebanese army to the south of the country was crucial for stabilization. Macron announced that a ministerial conference on humanitarian assistance to Lebanon and the strengthening of its security forces will be held in Paris on October 24.
Before this meeting, G7 defense ministers will also discuss possible forms of support for the Lebanese army. In his speech, Macron, as well as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, condemned the “deliberate attacks” by Israeli forces against UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) in the south of the Lebanon, including French, Spanish and Italian units.
Macron said such attacks are unacceptable and will be dealt with decisively. Sánchez and Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob supported Macron’s call to suspend arms sales to Israel as a means to reduce tension. Sánchez highlighted that Spain has not sold weapons to Israel since the beginning of the conflict and stated: “Without weapons there is no war.”
