NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – “Italy strongly condemns yesterday’s Iranian attack on Israel. We express deep concern about the ongoing developments and call for restraint and responsibility from all regional actors. Avoiding any further spiral of escalation must be the highest shared priority, as well as preventing another dramatic humanitarian crisis. Italy will continue to work for a diplomatic solution, including as G7 chair, for the stabilization of the Israeli-Lebanese border and in this regard strongly recalls the leaders’ September 25 declaration for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon. And as we are gathered here, our prime minister is about to hold a phone call with the G7 leaders to discuss the situation in the region.” This was stated by Italian Ambassador to the UN, Maurizio Massari speaking at the emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the crisis in Lebanon.
“Italy calls on all parties involved for the full and immediate implementation of Resolution 1701, and calls on the Security Council to consider making the implementation of UNIFIL’s mandate more effective in order to ensure security along the Blue Line and to ensure that the displaced population of northern Israel and Lebanon can return home safely. The security of all UNIFIL personnel must be respected and fully guaranteed. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must also be respected. Madam President,
Italy appeals for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon. We will continue to work for a diplomatic solution and are ready to actively assist the Lebanese Armed Forces in assuming their responsibilities along the border with Israel. On this point, Italy considers it of utmost importance to fully support and relaunch Lebanon-Israel negotiations to peacefully establish their borders. We will continue to engage with our partners and allies and keep open channels of dialogue with all actors in the region,” Massari added.
“At the same time, it is equally urgent to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of hostages in line with Resolution 2735. At this specific moment, it is our collective responsibility to call for calm and restraint, knowing that with every passing minute, the lives of innocent men, women and children in the entire region are at stake. Italy is a firm believer in the principle of ‘two people, two states’ and shares the goal of a comprehensive and lasting regional peace that can be achieved on the basis of a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security within recognized and agreed borders and full recognition of Israel’s existence and respect for its security by all regional actors,” concludes the Italian ambassador to the UN.
– Photo: Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
