NNA - In his delivered speech at the 163rd session of the Arab League Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Cairo, Lebanon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Raji, affirmed that "the new Lebanese government is pursuing a clear policy based on asserting the State’s sovereignty over all its territory, ensuring its exclusive control over weapons and its sole authority over the decision of war and peace, as well as adhering to the National Pact, the National Accord Document, and genuine power-sharing among the components of the Lebanese society, which strengthens national unity and effective participation."

Addressing the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, Minister Rajji stressed that while Lebanon has fully adhered to the terms of the cessation of hostilities declaration, Israel insists on undermining this agreement and continuing its daily violations of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Rajji affirmed “Lebanon’s commitment to peaceful and diplomatic solutions and to the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, with all its provisions and clauses," emphasizing that "the legitimate Lebanese security institutions, especially the Lebanese Army, are determined to carry out these national tasks."

The Minister also called on "the international community to pressure Israel to halt its attacks, compel it to immediately, fully, and unconditionally withdraw from all Lebanese territory, and return to the 1949 armistice agreement."

Rajji reiterated Lebanon's "constant support for the Palestinian people and their just cause in establishing their independent state, and Lebanon’s rejection of their displacement and resettlement in another country."

The Foreign Minister also affirmed "Lebanon's rejection of any foreign interference in its internal affairs," emphasizing the adoption of a policy of positive neutrality and mutual respect for Arab sovereignty and common Arab interests.

Rajji also emphasized the importance of building strategic partnerships with Arab States and preventing any conspiracy against their systems and sovereignty.

Minister Rajji expressed "the Lebanese state's readiness to cooperate with the Syrian Arab Republic to ensure the return the displaced persons, control the borders, and address all other standing issues between the two countries, most notably the issue of missing persons."

============ L.Y