FM, French Counterpart Discuss Developments in Lebanon, Gaza

Badr Abdel Aty, the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, on Friday, received a phone call from Jean Noel Barrot, French Foreign Minister, within the framework of the ongoing consultation between Cairo and Paris on developments in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip and their repercussions on the security and stability of the region, and ways to contain the escalation.

The official spokesman stated that minister stressed that the unexplained escalation by the Israeli army in Lebanon portends serious consequences, especially after the Israeli army targeted yesterday the sites and equipment of UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon, which led to the injury of two of its soldiers, stressing the need for the Israeli occupation army to the safety and security of United Nations personnel and property.

Minister Abdel Aty stressed the need to achieve an immediate ceasefire and contain regional escalation, reviewing Egypt's tireless efforts to stop the escalation in the region and prevent its slide into a regional war. 

Minister Abdel Atty renewed Egypt's position rejecting the violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the importance of empowering Lebanese institutions, led by the Lebanese army. 

He also stressed the importance of the commitment of all parties to implement Security Council Resolution 1701 with all its elements without selection.

The Foreign Minister also expressed serious concern about the humanitarian situation in Lebanon as a result of the displacement of more than 1.2 million Lebanese citizens, stressing the need to intensify urgent humanitarian and relief aid to Lebanon to support the Lebanese government in its response to the pressured humanitarian crisis.

Minister Abdel Aty also stressed the need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the full access of aid to the Strip and the cessation of Israeli attacks in the West Bank. 

Abdel-Ati praised France's position in support of Palestinian rights and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state in accordance with the two-state solution.