Statement by President Meloni on the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel

The announcement of a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel is excellent news and I congratulate the Lebanese and Israeli Governments on achieving this important result, thanks to the mediation of the United States.

It is now essential that the ceasefire be fully respected. Hezbollah, which is responsible for having initiated this conflict, must cease all actions against Israel and respect the decisions taken by the Lebanese Government.

Moreover, it is my hope that the ceasefire can create the conditions for successful negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, leading to a full and lasting peace.

In this context, Italy will continue to do its part by contributing to peacekeeping along the Blue Line through its military contingent in UNIFIL, the UN mission under its command, and will continue to support Lebanon's sovereignty, including through the strengthening of the Lebanese armed forces.

[Courtesy translation]