UN Mission in Lebanon, Meeting of 16 European Defense Ministers: “Concern and Condemnation of Attacks on UNIFIL Bases”.

This morning a video conference was held between the Defence Ministers of the 16 European Union countries participating in the UNIFIL mission. the meeting, promoted by the Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto and the French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Sébastien Lecornu, aimed to define a unitary action for the European contribution to the UNIFIL mission, in light of recent developments in southern Lebanon.

During the meeting, all ministers expressed unanimously concern for the situation in the region, strongly condemning the attacks that hit UNIFIL bases, putting at risk the safety of military personnel engaged in the United Nations mission. The importance of ensuring full respect for the mandate and protection of UNIFIL personnel was stressed, urging the international community to maintain a constant and resolute engagement.

The participants reiterated that the failure or partial implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 can in no way justify attacks against UNIFIL forces. The need to review the rules of engagement was also strongly expressed, in order to enable UNIFIL to operate more effectively and safely.

At the end of the conference, the 16 EU countries agreed on the importance of maintaining a stable presence in Lebanon, stressing that any decision regarding the future of the UNIFIL mission must be taken collectively at UN level.

Another key point that emerged from the meeting was the shared desire to exercise the maximum political and diplomatic pressure on Israel, so that further incidents do not occur. At the same time, it was clarified that Hezbollah cannot use UNIFIL personnel as a shield in the context of the conflict. Furthermore, the 16 countries agreed on the need to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces, through adequate training support and international funding, so that they can become a credible force and contribute to the stability of the region with the support of UNIFIL.

The conference was attended by the Ministers of Defence, or their delegates, of: France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Estonia, Hungary, Malta and Cyprus.