EU foreign policy chief hails Lebanon cease-fire deal, urges political stability

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Tuesday welcomed a recently brokered cease-fire in Lebanon, describing it as a "relief in the devastating situation in the Middle East."

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Borrell commended France and the US for their mediation efforts in securing the agreement.

"The agreement on a cease-fire in Lebanon is a relief in the devastating situation in the Middle East. I want to praise France and the US for their mediation," he wrote.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring the cease-fire's durability to protect the lives of citizens in Lebanon and Israel and to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

"It is now crucial that the cease-fire holds," he added.

Borrell underscored the critical need for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (UNSCR 1701), which outlines measures for maintaining peace and security along the Lebanon-Israel border.

In a pointed appeal to Lebanon's political leaders, he reiterated the EU's call for the election of a president, stressing the urgency of addressing the country's prolonged political paralysis.

He further highlighted the right of the Lebanese people to "regain full sovereignty on the country's affairs, without external interference," signaling Europe's concern over foreign influence in Lebanon's domestic politics.

- Other world reactions

Ireland's Foreign Minister Michael Martin said in a statement: "I welcome the announcement of a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Both sides must use the cease-fire to engage meaningfully to achieve a durable peace."

Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib also took to X, saying "the cease-fire agreement in Lebanon is a crucial step towards stopping the escalation in the Middle East. We call for a cease-fire in the whole region, including Gaza. Only resuming negotiations for a 2-state solution can bring peace. Civilians must be protected."

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said: "I welcome important cease-fire announcement. I'm also hopeful for a cease-fire in Gaza, with release of all hostages & an end to the tremendous suffering of the inhabitants."

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also said in a statement that the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah "is a ray of hope for the entire region."

"The cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah shows what is possible with diplomatic means: We also urgently need a cease-fire in Gaza now so that the German and all other hostages are finally released and the suffering and hunger of hundreds of thousands of women, children and men finally comes to an end," she added.

Israel's security cabinet approved a cease-fire agreement with Lebanon on Tuesday evening.

US President Joe Biden confirmed that both Israel and Lebanon agreed to the deal, which will take effect at 4 a.m. local time (0200GMT) Wednesday.

“The Security Cabinet, this evening, in a 10-1 vote, approved the US proposal for a cease-fire arrangement in Lebanon,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.