Italian Government
Minister Crosetto Attends the Video Conference of the EU UNIFIL Contributing Countries
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A video conference of the Defence Ministers of the 16 European Union countries contributing to UNIFIL has taken place this morning. The meeting, promoted by Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Sébastien Lecornu, aimed to define a united action on the EU contribution to the UNIFIL mission, in light of recent developments in Southern Lebanon.
During the meeting, all the ministers unanimously expressed their concern about the situation in the region, strongly condemning the attacks against UNIFIL bases which jeopardized the security of military personnel taking part in the United Nations mission. They underscored the importance to guarantee that the UNIFIL mandate, and protection of its personnel, be fully respected, urging the International Community to maintain its constant, resolute commitment in the area.
Participants have reiterated that the lack of, or partial implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 cannot, in any way, justify attacks against UNIFIL Forces. Moreover, the need to review the Rules of Engagement, in order to allow UNIFIL to operate more effectively and safely was strongly highlighted.
At the end of the conference, the 16 EU member Countries have agreed on the importance to maintain a stable presence in Lebanon, underscoring that every decision on the future of the UNIFIL mission must be made collectively, at a UN level.
Another fundamental aspect which emerged from the meeting was the shared will to put maximum political and diplomatic pressure on Israel, aiming to prevent further incidents from occurring. Concurrently, it was made clear that Hezbollah cannot use UNIFIL personnel as a shield within the context of the conflict. Furthermore, the 16 countries have agreed on the need to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAFs) by providing appropriate support for training and international financial aid, to enhance their credibility and allow them to contribute to regional stability with UNIFIL’s support.
The conference was attended by Ministers of Defence and their delegates from France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Estonia, Hungary, Malta and Cyprus.
