as he passes LebanonMinister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, José Manuel Albares, poured out words of appreciation for his “friendly partner.” “Lebanon is a country necessary to maintain regional stability and to control the spiral of violence,” he said after meeting with the acting prime minister. Najib Mikatiinside Beirut. The socialist politician promised: will go to Israel soonHe insisted on the defense of Spain “immediate and permanent ceasefire“and put it back on the table peace conference Implementation of the “Solution” proposed by the European Union two states involves the establishment and recognition of an organization viable Palestinian state“, he underlined.
“Lebanon is one of our partners for peace: this is a generous country as demonstrated by its capacity to receive Palestinian and Syrian refugees, and reference to peaceful coexistence between religions“Albares said first trip by Middle East Since the war against Gaza began on October 7. He will depart on Wednesday after meetings with aid workers and military commanders in the country. Iraq. Albares explained to this newspaper that the first round did not include Israel. PalestineHe plans to go there soon because their agendas do not align with his counterparts. “I wanted to visit the two countries we are in” union troops “We want to convey a message of support to both countries and our soldiers,” he said, referring to Lebanon and Iraq, both of which have a Spanish military presence.
Despite their interest in accompanying more than 650 Spanish soldiers deployed to Lebanon, security conditions those present will prevent Albares’ visit Miguel de Cervantes’ base, in the south of the country. Since last October 7, daily conflicts Between the Israeli Army and Lebanese Shiite militias HezbollahEvents that cost the lives of more than 200 people. Albares insisted the situation in Lebanon is bad”worrying” and reiterated his support for the United Nations mission in the country. The Spanish army “contributes every day to preventing a regional tension that we must avoid at all costs,” the socialist representative said. Development of the peace plan presented by “We will be an active country in Spain” [el alto representante de Exteriores de la UE] Josep BorrellLebanon is undoubtedly one of the main actors with which Spain wants to cooperate. Violence control block “The region is suffering,” he added.
“Israel is a friendly country”
“Spain works like this Gaza tragedy will not be repeated again “So that everyone in the region can have a future of peace and prosperity,” he argued. Albares also stated that he intends to visit Israel, where the president’s statements were made. Pedro Sánchez caused diplomatic crisis this led to the withdrawal of the now returning Madrid ambassador. “I don’t have the slightest problem visiting Israel; it is a friendly country and the Israeli people are a friendly people,” he explained. Albares described:unbearable“Number of daily deaths of women and children in the Gaza Strip 25,500 people Because of war. “We want this humanitarian aid entry a peace conference that would lead to the establishment and recognition of a viable State of Palestine without any restrictions and as a concrete outcome. Gaza and the West Bank are under the same jurisdiction” he insisted.
According to Albares, this is “the best guarantee of peace and stability” in the region. As part of this friendship between Lebanon and Spain, the minister will visit this Wednesday Spanish cooperation projects The new Cooperation Master Plan will be a priority in the country in 2024. When it was not possible to visit the troops at the Spanish base, some military commanders They will go to Beirut to meet with Albares and talk about the work they have done in recent months. Most 600 soldiers deployed In southern Lebanon, they are part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), created in 1978 in the midst of the Lebanese civil war.