Bou Habib meets UNTSO’s chief amid escalating tensions

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdallah Bou Habib, on Wednesday met with Major General, Patrick Gauchat, Chief of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in Lebanon, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel, Gerard Kearns, Head of the Joint Monitoring Committee in Beirut. Discussion reportedly centered on the ongoing tensions in Lebanon and the region, as Israel continues its aggression and hinders efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza. Minister Bou Habib emphasized the importance of the UN and its truce monitoring mission fulfilling their designated roles. He condemned the Israeli attacks on UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon and expressed hope that the UN would release a report on the Majdal Shams incident. 'This report would clarify the facts and discredit Israel's justification of 'self-defense' for its assault on Beirut's southern suburbs on July 30, 2024,' Bou Habib said. Major General Gauchat warned of the increasing risk of escalation along the Lebanon-Israel bo rder and affirmed that UNTSO was actively monitoring the situation on both sides. Minister Bou Habib also met with Bangladeshi Ambassador to Lebanon, Javed Tanveer Khan, who briefed him on the most recent political developments in Bangladesh, following popular protests that led to the formation of a transitional government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Mohammad Yunus. Minister Bou Habib wished Bangladesh stability and success, emphasizing Lebanon's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between the two countries. Source: National news agency - Lebanon