Bou Habib from New York calls for support, regional cooperation amid crisis

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdallah Bou Habib, continued a series of high-profile meetings in New York, addressing the challenges that Lebanon endures. Bou Habib met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, who expressed Iraq's solidarity with Lebanon and its commitment to supporting the country's sovereignty and independence. "Iraq stands with Lebanon in all that affects its existence and sovereignty," Hussein stated, reaffirming Iraq's readiness to provide all possible support to the Lebanese government and people. Hussein condemned the recent attacks on Beirut and the refugee crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the importance of defending Lebanon. 'Leaving Lebanon isolated would mean the confrontation could spread to other nations,' Hussein warned, calling for an "Arab-Islamic summit to support the Lebanese and Palestinian peoples," and stressing the need for unified action, as "the entire region will be engulfed in flames if we fail to act together." In a separate meet ing, Bou Habib discussed the escalating regional tensions with Cypriot Foreign Minister, Constantinos Kombos. The Cypriot minister reaffirmed Cyprus' neutral stance, stating that his country rejects involvement in the conflict for any party's benefit. Kombos also emphasized that Cyprus' infrastructure would not be used for military purposes, except to assist in possible evacuation operations. Bou Habib also met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, whom he thanked for the UN's objective stance during a recent Security Council session. The two officials praised the countries that supported the content of the briefing during the session. Bou Habib requested international help to form a global lobby to ban the use of white phosphorus, cyberattacks, and electronic warfare, stressing the need for an international treaty to prevent such threats due to their severe implications for humanity. In a meeting with U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, discussions centered on the importance of de-escalating t ensions along Lebanon's borders and finding ways to restore stability and calm in the coming days. Source: National news agency - Lebanon