Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty held separate phone calls with his Lebanese and Iranian counterparts to address escalating regional developments and pressing security concerns. The discussions took place against a backdrop of rising tensions and urgent diplomatic challenges.
According to State Information Service Egypt, during his conversation with Lebanese counterpart Youssef Raji, FM Abdelatty expressed concern over the escalating tensions in Southern Lebanon, warning of potential threats to regional security. He emphasized the importance of fully implementing the agreement on the cessation of hostilities in the area and called for the immediate, unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces. Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity for empowering the Lebanese army to enforce UN Resolution 1701, urging all parties to adhere to it without selectivity.
The Egyptian foreign minister reiterated Egypt’s steadfast support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, national institutions, and stability amid security challenges. Abdelatty firmly rejected any actions that could undermine the security and stability of the Lebanese populace. Since the 27 November truce, Israel has been accused of violating the ceasefire with airstrikes and maintaining control over strategic sites in Southern Lebanon, despite missing withdrawal deadlines.
Concurrently, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam cautioned that renewed military actions along the southern border posed a risk of dragging the country into conflict, threatening civilian safety and national stability. Recent Israeli airstrikes have targeted areas in southern and eastern Lebanon, compounding tensions.
In a separate discussion with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Abdelatty expressed concern over the rapidly evolving regional situation, stressing the need to contain escalation in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen. He underscored the importance of maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza and advised restraint to prevent further regional tension. Additionally, Abdelatty addressed developments in the Red Sea, emphasizing the protection of navigation amid economic challenges from declining Suez Canal revenues and regional instability.
Source: State Information Service Egypt