World Leaders, International Organisations Welcome Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire

By Rohani Mohd Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, which entered into force at midnight local time on Friday, received a warm welcome from several organisations and countries globally, which expressed hope that the measure is the first step toward lasting peace in the region. 

Anadolu Ajansi reported that the United Nations (UN) welcomed the announcement, with Secretary-General António Guterres expressing support for efforts to end the prolonged conflict.

"The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and commends the role of the United States in facilitating the ceasefire," Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement on Thursday.

Dujarric said that Guterres "further hopes that this agreement will contribute to ongoing efforts toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region."

On Thursday, United States (US) President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to begin a 10-day ceasefire starting at midnight local time (2100 GMT) in Tel Aviv and Beirut, following recent talks in Washington, DC.

The ceasefire announcement followed US-mediated talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations that took place on Tuesday at the State Department in Washington.

The Lebanese group Hezbollah was not represented.

Anadolu Ajansi also reported that the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, on Thursday welcomed the 10-day ceasefire, stressing that a "path to permanent peace" is needed.

"I welcome the announced 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by President Trump," von der Leyen said in a post on the social media platform X.

She described the temporary truce as "a relief," noting that the conflict has already claimed too many lives.

"Now, we need not just a temporary pause, but a path to permanent peace. Europe will continue to call for the full respect of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," she added.

Von der Leyen reaffirmed the European Union's support for Lebanon, saying that the bloc will continue supporting the Lebanese people through substantial humanitarian aid.

Also expressing support for the ceasefire were Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Oman, which backed efforts to strengthen the Lebanese state and restrict weapons to its institutions.

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry praised the “major positive role” played by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in securing the ceasefire.

The ministry reaffirmed Jordan’s “absolute support” for the Lebanese state in asserting its sovereignty across all Lebanese territory, restricting weapons to the state and restoring national institutions.

Saudi Arabia also welcomed the ceasefire and praised the role played by Aoun, Salam and Berri.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reiterated the kingdom’s support for “the Lebanese state in extending sovereignty and restricting arms to the state and its legitimate institutions.”

Oman also welcomed the ceasefire and urged all parties to abide by its terms and avoid any actions that could undermine it.

The Omani Foreign Ministry also expressed appreciation for efforts by the US to secure the agreement.

Canada  welcomed the announcement, with the country’s foreign minister describing it as "an important step towards de-escalation."

"Canada welcomes the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon," Anita Anand said in a post on the social media platform X.

Noting that "this is an important step towards de-escalation," Anand urged all sides to "fully respect and implement the ceasefire to prevent further loss of life."

Reiterating Ottawa's position on the disarmament of the Lebanese group Hezbollah in line with UN Resolution 1701, she said: "Canada reaffirms our strong support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and state institutions."

"We stand in solidarity with civilians who continue to bear the consequences of a conflict they did not choose," she added.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also called the ceasefire "excellent news," congratulating the Lebanese and Israeli governments.

She said: "It is my hope that the ceasefire can create the conditions for successful negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, leading to a full and lasting peace."

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said that the ceasefire "must now be confirmed on the ground," adding that this is an important first step after weeks of devastating violence.

Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said, "It is paramount to strive for turning this opportunity into lasting peace. Violence and civilian suffering must end."

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said the 10-day ceasefire announcement gives rise to hope and added: "Now it depends on it holding and leading to a sustainable political process."

Welcoming the development, Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said it was a necessary step to reduce tensions and open a path forward.

"This is a crucial step toward preventing the terrible suffering of the Lebanese people and promoting stability in West Asia," the Portuguese Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Albudaiwi, welcomed the announcement made by President Donald Trump regarding a ceasefire in  Lebanon.

Albudaiwi underlined the GCC's support for Lebanon and its backing of Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and stability.

He also expressed support for the decisions taken by the Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the Lebanese government aimed at achieving security, peace, prosperity, and development for the Lebanese people. 

Meanwhile, in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Albudaiwi, welcomed the announcement made by President Donald Trump regarding a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Albudaiwi underlined the GCC’s support for Lebanon and its backing of Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and stability.

He also expressed support for the decisions taken by President Joseph Aoun and the government, aimed at achieving security, peace, prosperity and development for the Lebanese people.

-- BERNAMA