Luxembourg, Luxembourg. Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Tuesday that Lebanon’s government is “doing an amazing job” to stabilise the country amid an insurgency by Iran-backed Hezbollah and an ongoing invasion by Israel. He spoke at the European foreign affairs council summit in Luxembourg.
EU invitations and regional stability
Kombos said it was a “very important political signal” that Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam had been invited to attend the summit. He said Lebanon’s stability is important for the stability of the region.
He also said Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will attend this week’s informal European Council summit in Cyprus, describing the visit as part of wider political signalling and tangible support for Lebanon.
Meeting with Salam and ceasefire comments
Kombos said he held a one-on-one meeting with Salam earlier in the day and reiterated Cyprus’ support for Lebanon’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. He welcomed a 10-day ceasefire that entered into force last Thursday, calling it a meaningful step toward de-escalation and saying it is vital that all parties respect and implement what has been agreed.
Talks with Israel and humanitarian support
Kombos said Cyprus supports talks between Lebanon and Israel that are to be mediated by the United States. He added that Cyprus will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Lebanon.
Representatives of Lebanon and Israel are expected to meet again on Thursday for the next round of talks. The two countries previously had not engaged in direct negotiations of this nature since Israel invaded southern Lebanon in 1982.
Kombos had previously been one of 18 signatories to a joint statement calling on both countries to “seize this opportunity”.
Possible venue for future negotiations
Negotiations have so far been held in the United States. Media reports in Lebanon have said Cyprus may host future rounds, though government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis told the Cyprus Mail he had received no such information.
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