Aboul Gheit Welcomes Framework Agreement between Lebanon, Israel

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, held a telephone conversation with President Nawaf Salam, president of the Lebanese government, during which he welcomed the conclusion of the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel under United States mediation, describing it as an important step towards restoring the Lebanese state's ability to exercise its sovereignty over its entire national territory and securing a full and final Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. He noted that such a development would pave the way for the return of displaced persons to their homes, the release of detainees, and enable the Lebanese government to mobilise international support for the reconstruction of southern Lebanon.

During the conversation, the Secretary-General reaffirmed his continued support for all measures undertaken by the Lebanese government to preserve the country's security and stability and to consolidate its sovereignty over all Lebanese territory.

The official spokesperson for the Secretary-General cautioned against Israel's continued provocative policies and aggressive conduct aimed at evading its commitments and undermining the prospects for implementing the agreement. He stressed the importance of preserving national cohesion and of the Lebanese people standing united behind the state and the government in the face of persistent attempts to sow discord and threaten civil peace.

 He further reaffirmed the League of Arab States' full support and solidarity with Lebanon during this critical juncture in its history and underscored its complete readiness to fulfil its responsibilities towards Lebanon in light of the delicate circumstances confronting the country.