Diplomatic dialogues: Lebanon's response to French initiative and stance on UNRWA's funding

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Abdallah Bou Habib, received the French Ambassador Hervé Magro.

He handed over the official Lebanese response to the French initiative, which outlined a vision for stability in southern Lebanon.

He expressed Lebanon's deep gratitude for French efforts.

The Lebanese response stated that the French initiative is a significant step towards achieving peace and security in southern Lebanon.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the Lebanese stance, which rejects war and demands the full and comprehensive implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

The Russian Ambassador to Lebanon, Alexander Rudakov, accompanied by former MP Amal Abu Zeid, was received.

The Russian ambassador invited Bou Habib to visit Moscow to celebrate the eightieth anniversary of Lebanese-Russian relations.

He also met with MP Fadi Alame, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Relations Committee in the Lebanese Parliament, accompanied by Dorothee Klaus, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon.

He informed her that Lebanon demands from the foreign officials we meet to consider funding UNRWA as a shared interest for Lebanon, regionally and internationally. 

In addition, Bou Habib warned of the danger of halting UNRWA funding, as it would deprive the Palestinian people of hope and drive them towards extremism and violence.