1 تشرين الثاني 2024 12:00ص لقاء السنيورة مع «مجموعة العشرين»: تأكيد على وقف النار بالتلازم مع تطبيق الـ1701 وتعزيز الجيش وانتخاب رئيس

Group of Twenty Demands Ceasefire and Presidential Election in Lebanon

Urgent Call for a Ceasefire and the Implementation of Resolution 1701

Amidst the escalating Israeli aggression against Lebanon, the Group of Twenty, a prominent group of Lebanese personalities, convened to discuss the dire situation. Led by former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, the group has been meeting regularly for the past thirteen years to address critical national matters. After a thorough discussion of the current crisis, the group emphasized the following key points:

• Condolences and Support: The group extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the innocent victims of the Israeli onslaught, praying for the swift recovery of the injured.
• Ceasefire and Implementation of Resolution 1701: The group underscored the paramount importance of an immediate ceasefire to safeguard the lives of innocent civilians and prevent further Israeli destruction and forced displacement. This ceasefire, they stressed, must be accompanied by the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, ensuring the disarmament of Hezbollah and the return of the Lebanese Army to the border area.
• Strengthening the Lebanese Army: The group emphasized the critical need to bolster the Lebanese Army's capabilities and deploy it throughout Lebanon, particularly in the South, to defend the country's sovereignty and security.
• Presidential Election and Government Formation: The group urged the immediate convening of Parliament to elect a new president who commands the trust of both the legislature and the Lebanese people. They called for the formation of a rescue government capable of restoring national unity and embarking on a path of political, economic, and social recovery.
• National Unity and Sovereignty: The group stressed the paramount importance of Lebanese unity, urging citizens to stand together against Israeli aggression. They emphasized the need for the Lebanese state to remain in control of its own destiny, safeguarding its sovereignty and the dignity of its people.
• Resilience of the Lebanese Model: The group underscored the strength and resilience of the Lebanese model, which embraces diversity and fosters a spirit of unity among all Lebanese citizens. This model, they argued, requires the restoration of national authority, the rule of law, and the supremacy of institutions.
• Addressing the Refugee Crisis: The group acknowledged the mounting challenges posed by the growing number of displaced Lebanese citizens. They called for a comprehensive and effective management of the refugee situation, urging international support to ensure temporary and dignified accommodations for the displaced and facilitate their safe and dignified return to their homes. This should be accompanied by comprehensive reconstruction plans for the affected areas, financed by international donors to prevent the realization of Israel's plans to displace and dislocate the Lebanese population.

Conclusion

The Group of Twenty's statement underscores the urgency of the situation in Lebanon and calls for decisive action from the international community to support the Lebanese people and protect their rights. The group's emphasis on national unity, the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and the strengthening of the Lebanese Army are crucial steps towards restoring peace and stability to the country.