By Giada Zampano
ROME (AA) - Italy’s premier on Wednesday welcomed the announcement of the Israel-Lebanon cease-fire as “a very important development,” but stressed it should be considered only as "a starting point."
Speaking to leaders from around the Mediterranean at a conference in Rome, Meloni urged them to “seize the opportunity” of the cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon to work toward a long-term stabilization of the region.
“We must seize this opportunity and work with conviction to stabilize the Israeli-Lebanese border, which will allow all displaced people, both Israeli and Lebanese, to return to their homes in safety,” Meloni said.
The Italian premier also stressed it is essential to "fully implement UN Resolution 1701” by reinforcing the peacekeeping UNIFIL mission in southern Lebanon, “especially by strengthening the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces.“
Meloni said Rome will be proud to work with the G7, Gulf, and European partners, to strengthen the capacity of the Lebanese army, “so that they can assume the responsibilities envisaged by the UN mandate.”
“This is an essential condition for achieving the objectives envisaged by the cease-fire itself and by the UN resolutions," Meloni added.
The cease-fire deal announced on Tuesday could end more than a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group. The truce that began in the early hours of Wednesday has raised hopes across the war-torn region.