Acting on the directive of Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General, participated in the International Conference in Support of the People and Sovereignty of Lebanon. The conference, held in Paris on 24 October, was inaugurated by French President Emmanuel Macron, with the participation of Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Miqati.
Ambassador Zaki delivered the League of Arab States' address at the conference, where he shed light on the dire circumstances confronting the Lebanese people in the wake of the grave Israeli aggression. He condemned the brutal and indiscriminate strikes that targeted innocent civilians across all regions of Lebanon, including children, women, and humanitarian workers, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of thousands, and the displacement of over 1.2 million people, forced from their homes and villages by threats, intimidation, and destruction.
Ambassador Zaki underscored that Israel, through its relentless year-long campaign of violence in Gaza and Lebanon, has become a rogue state defying international law and order. Its actions, he stressed, now represent the most significant threat to peace and security in both the region and the world. By perpetuating such atrocities, Israel is scripting a grim chapter in human history, one that marks the collapse of fundamental human values and the rights of individuals and nations to life, freedom, justice, and equality. He emphasised the urgent need for a resolute international will to halt this war, calling for the activation of all diplomatic tools, particularly urging the United Nations Security Council to fulfil its mandate and prevent the region from descending into an escalating cycle of violence that could have global repercussions.
Ambassador Zaki outlined the key pillars of the Arab position on safeguarding Lebanon, emphasising that the immediate priority is to halt the aggression and secure an immediate ceasefire, with all parties committed to the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This, he noted, would put a definitive end to Israel’s violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and bring relief to the escalating humanitarian crisis. He underscored the importance of continuing and intensifying international efforts to provide urgent financial and relief aid to Lebanon, alongside comprehensive support for the Lebanese army, enabling it to fulfil its vital role in defending the country, extending state sovereignty, and executing its responsibilities under Resolution 1701.
Furthermore, Ambassador Zaki called for an expedited resolution to the unprecedented presidential vacancy plaguing Lebanon amid these significant challenges and threats to the nation's future. He urged Lebanese political leaders to reach consensus that would lead to the election of a president in accordance with the Lebanese constitution and the Taif Agreement. He stressed that the current circumstances demand immediate action and cannot tolerate further postponement of this crucial constitutional step, as it is essential to maintaining the coherence of state institutions and ensuring their functionality.
The Assistant Secretary-General also highlighted the vital role played by UNIFIL peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, stressing the need to ensure the safety of its personnel and facilities. Concluding his address, Ambassador Zaki praised the resilience and solidarity of the Lebanese people, which was powerfully demonstrated throughout this ordeal. He asserted the importance of preserving national unity, warning against allowing political, sectarian, or religious divisions to take root. He expressed hope that these collective efforts would be met with continued support for Lebanon and its people, enabling the restoration of sovereignty and dignity, safeguarding civil peace, and beginning the process of rebuilding the devastated country.
