EU mulling joint stabilisation measures for southern Lebanon after INIFIL ends: Italy
Nicosia, May 28
The European Union is looking at possible European initiatives to stabilise southern Lebanon after the UN's peacekeeping mission ceases operations, said Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Thursday.
The mission ceases operations at the end of December and starts to withdraw its personnel over the following year.
"We discussed this, but ultimately a decision will have to be made, and we will have to see if it can be implemented," Tajani told reporters in Limassol, Cyprus, where he was attending an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, Adnkronos news agency reported.
"We are evaluating what joint European initiatives we can adopt to help stabilise the situation, to strengthen the legitimate Lebanese authorities and thus avert a new war that could primarily affect civilians in the south of the country," he said.
Tajani also urged Israel to de-escalate its strikes against pro-Iran militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces bombed southern Lebanon including the city of Tyre, and the capital, Beirut, after large-scale evacuation orders telling residents to move north of the Zharani River, about 40 kilometres from the Israeli border, warning it would act with "extreme force".
"We must de-escalate the situation and ensure that a comprehensive peace agreement can be reached on Iran and Lebanon," Tajani continued.
"There is a need to disarm Hezbollah and build a Lebanese state free from fundamentalist diktats. At the same time, Israel must understand that it cannot bomb areas where there are civilians," Tajani said.
Tajani said he was especially concerned about villages in southern Lebanon bordering Israel.
"We have also decided to provide funding for these communities through development aid, because these are people who are suffering from a war for which they bear no responsibility," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Italy's Tajani makes sense - Hezbollah needs to be disarmed for lasting peace. Lebanon has suffered enough due to proxy wars. India's experience with terrorism teaches us that you can't have half-measures with militant groups. Either the Lebanese state takes full control, or this cycle continues.
Interesting how the EU wants to fund villages but doesn't address why civilians are being bombed in the first place. Israel's "extreme force" against Hezbollah is hitting ordinary people. India has always condemned terrorism and civilian deaths equally. This needs balanced diplomacy, not just EU talking.
"A Lebanese state free from fundamentalist diktats" - very important point by Tajani. Look at how India deals with internal security threats - firm but within legal frameworks. Lebanon needs that kind of approach. But will Israel listen? Probably not if history is any guide. 😔
EU mulling "joint stabilisation measures" while Israel bombs Tyre and Beirut - time to call out the hypocrisy. India knows a thing or two about cross-border terrorism, but we never bombed civilian areas like this. The global powers need to enforce international law equally.
As someone who grew up watching India's peacekeeping missions abroad, it's good to see Europe taking responsibility. But words about disarming Hezbollah and protecting civilians need concrete action. Let's hope this doesn't become another empty promise like so many UN resolutions.
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