Within the framework of the diplomatic movement related to developments in Lebanon and the region, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raji received Austria’s Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Ambassador Arad Benko, where a comprehensive review of the political and security situation took place, in light of the continuing regional tensions and the course of the ongoing negotiations.
During the meeting, the Austrian envoy confirmed his country’s readiness to participate in any international force that might succeed UNIFIL, in reference to possible European involvement in any new security arrangements in southern Lebanon, if changes occur to the mission of the current international forces.
On the other hand, Minister Raji welcomed his guest, appreciating Austria’s position in support of the negotiating process, noting that the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister “took an extremely difficult decision,” in light of what he described as Iran’s use of Hezbollah as a tool to plunge Lebanon into a war that it did not choose.
Raji also expressed his hope that the negotiations would lead to “a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory,” stressing the need to reach a comprehensive solution that restores stability to the country.
The Minister reviewed before the Austrian envoy the extent of the large losses incurred by Lebanon as a result of the war, on the human, material and economic levels, in light of the continuing repercussions affecting various sectors.
This visit comes in the context of increasing diplomatic movements taking place in the Lebanese arena, with the international community seeking to formulate new approaches to ensure stability in the south, especially in light of the growing talk about the future of the UNIFIL mission and its role in the next stage.
The Austrian position also reflects a European tendency to keep pace with any possible transformation in the security structure of the border region, in parallel with international pressure to push the negotiation path towards a permanent settlement, which includes stopping military operations, new security arrangements, and the reconstruction of the affected areas.
On the other hand, the position of the Lebanese Foreign Ministry emerges as part of an attempt to establish an official vision based on ending the escalation and restoring full control of the state, amid delicate balances governing the internal and external scene, at a stage described as one of the most sensitive in years.
