Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking before the UN Security Council, called on Israel to stop offensive operations against Lebanon and for Hezbollah to withdraw its formations north of the Litani River.
“We consistently and invariably start from the need for a full and comprehensive implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which establishes Israel’s obligations to cease all offensive military operations, the withdrawal of its armed forces from southern Lebanon and the end of the occupation of Lebanese lands and the obligation of Hezbollah to withdraw all formations north of the Litani River,” – said Lavrov.
According to him, “someone really wants and is trying to provoke a big war”, “it is necessary to immediately stop the spiral of violence before the situation gets completely out of control.”
The Russian minister stated that “indiscriminate attacks against civilians are categorically unacceptable. “The war path that West Jerusalem has chosen will not help it return internally displaced people to the north of the country and will not guarantee security on the Lebanese-Israeli border.”
“We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which would prevent further bloodshed and create the conditions for a political and diplomatic agreement.” – noted Lavrov.
He said Russia is making active diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and avoid the most catastrophic scenario. Moscow is ready to coordinate with international and regional partners.
“Council members must put the interests of the people of Palestine and Israel ahead of the strictly selfish political calculations of individual figures and demand an immediate ceasefire, the release of all illegally detained persons and ensuring full and unimpeded humanitarian access.” ”. – called the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
He stressed that “strict measures must be taken against violators of the Security Council resolution, without which our decisions will continue to remain on paper.”
The minister also called on Washington to stop providing support to Israel.
“Without your full support for Israel, the conflict can end quickly and effectively. “This would help create the conditions for a return to peace negotiations for the creation of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State coexisting in peace and security with Israel.” – Lavrov is convinced.
At the same time, according to the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, “negotiations, of course, must be conducted under the auspices of the international community, without monopolization by any country.”
“We’ve seen it all before, everything leads to disaster.” – concluded Lavrov.
