BEIRUT, Nov 3 (NNN-NNA) – Lebanese Defence Minister, Maurice Slim, yesterday slammed Israel, for attacking civilians in southern Lebanon, calling on the international community to find a political solution to the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.
“Israel’s attacks on civilians in southern Lebanon, the destruction of homes, the burning of forests and orchards, and its use of internationally prohibited weapons, constitute a violation of international laws and conventions,” Slim said, during his meeting with his French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu in Beirut.
Slim called on the international community to maximise its efforts, in “finding a political solution to the conflict, based on the rule of international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions, establishing justice and realising rights.”
The defence minister also stressed Lebanon’s keenness to preserve regional stability, reiterating his country’s commitment to international resolutions.
He added that, Lebanon valued the sacrifices made by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), over the past decades, and its role in southern Lebanon, reiterating his country’s keenness to protect the force, so that it can continue to perform its duties.
He added that, Lebanon also appreciated the efforts made by France to limit the escalation and development of the conflict in the region.
For his part, Lecornu spoke of “the efforts made by France at the international level, to reduce the escalation and avoid the expansion of the conflict,” stressing, “the importance of maintaining stability in Lebanon.”
He reiterated his “affirmation of France’s support for Lebanon and the army,” pointing out “the importance of UNIFIL’s role in the south, in maintaining security and stability in its area of operation.”– NNN-NNA
