lebanon sovereignty — lebanon sovereignty — Cyprus reaffirmed support for Lebanon’s sovereignty during a recent UN Security Council discussion, highlighting the direct impact of the ongoing situation in Lebanon on the island due to its geographical proximity.
- As the session concluded, Cyprus urged renewed efforts to contain the regional crisis and prevent further instability across the Levant and the broader Middle East.
During the session, Cyprus’ permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Maria Michael, emphasised that Lebanon is not a distant concern for Cyprus, stating, “For Cyprus, Lebanon is not a distant issue.” She conveyed that President Nikos Christodoulides remains in close contact with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun as tensions escalate in the region.
In her address, Michael urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. She underscored the necessity of protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian law, noting that while Israel has the right to self-defence, the escalating military operations and the displacement of civilians are troubling.
Cyprus condemned the attacks carried out by Hezbollah against Israel, linking these actions to the group’s involvement with Iranian operations. The Cypriot delegation reiterated its firm support for Lebanon’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, commending recent decisions by the Lebanese government aimed at bolstering state authority.
Among these measures are bans on military and security activities occurring outside state control and steps towards disarming Hezbollah. Michael stressed that the use of force must be under state control, asserting, “The monopoly of legitimate violence must belong exclusively to the Lebanese armed forces.” She argued that reinforcing the authority of the Lebanese state is crucial for achieving long-term stability.
The Cypriot representative also welcomed statements from Lebanon’s foreign minister, Youssef Raggi, who condemned recent drone attacks reportedly originating from Lebanese territory that targeted Cyprus. Following an incident earlier this month involving a Hezbollah-launched drone striking the island, Raggi urged Cypriots to differentiate between the actions of Hezbollah and the Lebanese government.
Raggi expressed regret over the attack, clarifying that such operations are conducted without the state’s authority and contradict official Lebanese decisions to limit the group’s military activities. “I called on our Cypriot friends not to confuse the Lebanese state with those acting outside its authority and legal framework,” he stated.
Cyprus reiterated its support for the Lebanese armed forces, considering them vital for the country’s stability. Michael highlighted that Nicosia would continue to assist Lebanon through training programmes, financial support, and participation in the military technical committee aimed at strengthening the Lebanese security sector.
Additionally, the ambassador underscored the importance of fully implementing Security Council Resolution 1701, established after the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which seeks to stabilise the area along the demarcation line separating the two countries.
As the session concluded, Cyprus urged renewed efforts to contain the regional crisis and prevent further instability across the Levant and the broader Middle East.
