Speaking at a UN Security Council session on Wednesday, Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Maria Michael said, as a UN and EU member state, Cyprus was “most closely connected to the region”.
She noted that Lebanon is “not a distant issue” for Nicosia. Hence, President Nikos Christodoulides, also the current chair of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, remains in constant contact with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun regarding the escalating situation, while also calling on all parties to exercise “utmost restraint”.
The Cypriot official reiterated that “civilians must always be protected” and that international humanitarian law must be fully respected. She condemned attacks carried out by Hezbollah against Israel following the group’s decision to align itself with Iranian attacks. At the same time, Michael noted that while Israel has the right to self-defence under international law, concern remains over the intensification of military operations that have caused mass displacement.
Support for Lebanese sovereignty
Nicosia reaffirmed its steadfast support for Lebanon’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, welcoming the recent decision by the Lebanese government to prohibit military and security activities and move toward disarming Hezbollah. It also welcomed public statements by Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi, who strongly condemned reported drone attacks that may have originated from Lebanese territory towards Cyprus.
Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening state authority across all Lebanese territory, with the Cypriot diplomat stressing that “the monopoly on legitimate force must rest solely with the Lebanese armed forces.” Cyprus underlined through its representative that it has long supported the Lebanese Armed Forces and will continue to do so through training, financial assistance and participation in the military technical committee for Lebanon.
Concluding, Michael stressed that full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 remains essential for restoring stability along the Blue Line. She condemned attacks against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, and expressed solidarity with Ghana following the attack on a member of the Ghanaian contingent.
“Diplomacy remains the best path forward to lasting de-escalation,” Michael said.
Source: CNA