Morocco Champions Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon at Paris Conference, Pushes for Regional Peace

Friday 25 October 2024 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco Champions Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon at Paris Conference, Pushes for Regional Peace

In a significant diplomatic move at an international conference in Paris, Morocco has called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon, emphasizing the urgent need to preserve the nation's sovereignty and protect its citizens' dignity.

The conference, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, brought together representatives from the United Nations, European Union, and various international organizations. The gathering focused on bolstering support for Lebanese institutions, particularly its armed forces, while addressing pressing humanitarian concerns.

Fouad Yazourh, Morocco's Ambassador and Director General of Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered a powerful message regarding Lebanon's predicament. "Lebanon cannot and must not continue to bear the burden of conflicts played out elsewhere," he declared, highlighting how ongoing regional tensions have severely impacted the country.

Recent months have seen intensified Israeli bombardments of Lebanon, triggered by Hezbollah's support for Hamas and Lebanon's solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. In response, Morocco has proposed a comprehensive international initiative, calling for United Nations oversight of the ceasefire and supervised return of displaced persons with guaranteed protection measures.

The Moroccan delegation emphasized the importance of allowing Lebanese authorities to manage humanitarian assistance, while supporting international reconstruction efforts. Yazourh referenced King Mohammed VI's advocacy for a comprehensive regional solution, positioning the Palestinian issue as central to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

"An independent Palestine, with Gaza as an integral part and East Jerusalem as its capital, is necessary for any lasting security in the region," Yazourh stated, reflecting Morocco's established diplomatic stance. He stressed that without addressing the Palestinian question, regional tensions would persist.

Morocco's diplomatic initiative advocates for a dual approach: implementing an immediate ceasefire while pursuing political solutions to establish sustainable peace in the Middle East. This strategy underscores Morocco's commitment to diplomatic resolution and regional stability, with Yazourh emphasizing that "reason and diplomacy must prevail."