The UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa
(DSAME) Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, met with senior Lebanese and
UN officials and reiterated the UK's call for an immediate
ceasefire, and a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution
1701. Vice Admiral Ahlgren expressed condolences on the deaths of
Lebanese Army soldiers and officers, and Lebanese civilians.
Vice Admiral Ahlgren met with Nabih Berri, Speaker of Parliament,
General Joseph Aoun, Chief of Defence for the Lebanese Armed
Forces (LAF), Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, UN Special Coordinator
for Lebanon and held a virtual meeting with Force Commander Major
General Aroldo Lázaro, UNIFIL Head of Mission. He was accompanied
during his visits by British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell
and Defence Attaché Lt. Colonel Charles .
Vice Admiral Ahlgren said:
In my meetings I reaffirmed the UK's ongoing support to the
Lebanese Armed Forces, as the sole legitimate defender of
Lebanon, to help build the future foundations for stability and
security.
Last month the UK delivered vital food and medical supplies to
the LAF. The UK has also provided so far £15m in
humanitarian aid to displaced families across Lebanon, providing
food, medicine, and clean water.
Our support to Lebanon continues.
British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, said:
The situation in Lebanon is worsening daily, and civilian
casualties are mounting. We cannot let Lebanon become
another Gaza. That is why today the UK repeats our call for an
immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hizballah, respect for
international humanitarian law and the importance of providing
humanitarian support to Lebanon and the region.
Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren's visit to Lebanon yesterday
demonstrates the strength of our military bilateral relations.
The UK remains a key contributor to Lebanon's stability and
security with the LAF as the sole legitimate military force of
the Lebanese state.
