Paris, April 01 (QNA) Ten European countries and the European Union (EU), in a joint statement called for ensuring the safety and security of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) after three of its peacekeepers were recently killed.
The foreign ministers of Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, along with the High Representative of the European Union, said, "we demand that all parties, under all circumstances, guarantee the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and facilities."
"We urge all parties, under all circumstances, to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises", the foreign ministers of Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, along with the High Representative of the European Union said in a joint statement.
They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the UNIFIL mission, and called for ensuring that de-escalation channels remain open, condemning the unacceptable loss of life.
In their statement, the ministers also called on Israel to avoid any further escalation of the conflict, particularly through a ground operation on Lebanese territory.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting last night following the killing of the peacekeepers in Lebanon. (QNA)