Speaking after meetings with Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Foreign
Minister and Speaker of the House in Beirut on Friday,
MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign
Secretary, said:
“Labour is crystal clear that we do not support this conflict
extending further into Lebanon. It would not only destabilise the
Middle East further, but also the world at a time of increased
conflict, crisis and disorder.
“All parties must show restraint and should comply with UN
Security Council Resolution 1701 which provides for the cessation
of hostilities along the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel.
“A sustainable ceasefire in Gaza is needed not only to stop the
killing of innocent civilians, provide urgent humanitarian
relief, ward off famine, stop rockets being fired into Israel and
free the hostages, but it will also help to prevent this war
widening even further in Lebanon. We urge the UK government to
play its role with partners in urgent diplomatic efforts both to
work towards a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and to stop this
conflict deepening further into Lebanon before it is too late.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
is in Beirut, Lebanon, where he
has met with:
- Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
- Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib.
- Speaker of the House Nabih Berri.
Pictures are available via the Associated Press.
Since October 7th, has travelled extensively in
the Middle East, including visiting Israel, the Occupied
Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi
Arabia and Bahrain, to build the diplomatic relationships the
next Labour government will need in power. His recent meetings
have included:
- Sameh Shoukry, Foreign Minister of Egypt.
- Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of
Jordan
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime
Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
- Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia.
- Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of the
UAE.
- Isaac Herzog, President of Israel
- Eli Cohen, in his previous role as Foreign Minister of
Israel.
- Amal Jadou, Deputy Foreign Minister of Palestine.
- Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Foreign Minister of Oman.
