On the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss the evolving situation in Lebanon and its impact on regional stability.
The leaders expressed shared concerns about the ongoing tensions in Lebanon, which have been exacerbated by various internal and external pressures, including political unrest and economic challenges.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasised the critical need for de-escalation to prevent the spread of conflict beyond Lebanon’s borders. He warned that further destabilisation could have severe consequences for the broader Middle East and Mediterranean regions. Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s commitment to peace and stability in the region and expressed strong support for international efforts to calm the situation.
One of the key topics of discussion was a proposal for an immediate 21-day ceasefire, which has gained traction within the international community. Mitsotakis voiced his backing for this initiative, seeing it as a necessary step to prevent further violence and allow for diplomatic efforts to take root. The Greek Prime Minister underlined the importance of such a ceasefire to provide humanitarian relief and create space for negotiations aimed at long-term peace.
Prime Minister Mikati expressed gratitude for Greece’s support and emphasised the need for sustained international attention to Lebanon’s challenges. He highlighted the complexity of the situation on the ground, citing economic hardship, political fragmentation, and the potential for external actors to exploit Lebanon’s vulnerability.
Both leaders agreed that international cooperation is essential to preventing a broader conflict and ensuring Lebanon’s future stability, emphasizing diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and a collective effort to address the root causes of the ongoing crisis.
(Source: Amna)