UN chief says ‘diplomatic avenues are available’ to end war in Lebanon
Antonio Guterres has also urged support for the Lebanese government, which last year committed to disarming Hezbollah
UN chief Antonio Guterres has said that diplomatic channels remain open to end the war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah and urged the international community to support Lebanon.
“There is no military solution, only diplomacy, dialogue and full implementation of the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions. The diplomatic avenues are available, including through my special coordinator for Lebanon ... and through key member states,” he said on Saturday during a visit to Beirut.
Lebanon was dragged into the Middle East war last week when militant group Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.
“We are doing everything we can now to bring about an immediate de-escalation and the cessation of hostilities,” Guterres told reporters.
“My special coordinator is engaging with all actors around the clock to bring the parties to the table and UNIFIL peacekeepers ... remain in position,” he said, referring to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.
He said attacks against peacekeepers and positions were “completely unacceptable and they must stop. They are in breach of international law and may constitute war crimes”.
Three peacekeepers serving with the Ghanaian contingent were wounded earlier this month in south Lebanon.