By Wassim Saif al-Din
BEIRUT (AA) - Beirut delivered on Friday its official response to France on its initiative regarding a proposal for stability in southern Lebanon, considering it “a significant step towards achieving peace and security in southern Lebanon.”
“Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdallah Bou Habib, on Friday welcomed French Ambassador to Lebanon Herve Magro, expressing gratitude for France's enduring affection and concern for Lebanon,” the Lebanese National News Agency reported.
"France only wishes good and prosperity for Lebanon," Bou Habib said as cited by the agency.
He also handed over “Lebanon's official response to the French initiative regarding a proposal for stability in southern Lebanon, expressing deep appreciation for French efforts.”
The Lebanese response emphasized that “the French initiative is a significant step towards achieving peace and security in southern Lebanon.”
The minister reaffirmed Lebanon’s demand for the full and comprehensive implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Adopted on Aug. 11, 2006, Resolution 1701 calls for a complete cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel.
It calls for Israel to withdraw behind the Blue Line and disarmament of the region between this line and the Litani River in Lebanon, allowing only the Lebanese army and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon to possess weapons and military equipment in the area.
On Feb. 13, Paris submitted a written proposal to Beirut, aimed at ending hostilities with Israel and reaching a settlement regarding the disputed border with Lebanon, calling on Hezbollah to withdraw 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the border, according to international reports.
Tensions have escalated along Lebanon’s border with Israel since the Israeli army waged a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip following a Hamas attack on Oct. 7.
The Israeli army has since been waging a destructive war on Gaza, leading to the killing of nearly 31,500 Palestinians and the wounding of nearly 73,500 others, according to Palestinian authorities.
*Writing by Ikram Kouachi