Minister Eide met Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib

News story | Date: 23/09/2024| Ministry of Foreign Affairs

'I met my Lebanese colleague, Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, today in New York. I expressed my heartfelt sympathies to the Lebanese people in light of the recent attacks. I also expressed my concern for all those who now live in fear of a regional escalation of the conflict', said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide and Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib. Credit: Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

'The intensifying tension in the Middle East and the recent increase in cross-border attacks between Israel and Hezbollah are a cause of grave concern. I have repeatedly warned about the developments we are now witnessing. I repeated my call that all parties must do what they can to exercise restraint', said Eide.

'In southern Lebanon and northern Israel, tens of thousands of Lebanese and Israelis have fled their homes due to the rising tensions. The conflict must enter a diplomatic track as soon as possible. We call for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701', said Eide.

'This escalation between Israel and Hezbollah is taking place at the same time as the violence in Gaza continues. A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas would contribute to reducing the tension in the entire region', said the Minister.

'The need to calm the situation in the Middle East is a high priority for Norway during the high-level week at the UN. At these meetings, I will repeat my call to all parties to be responsible, lower the tensions, and show restraint. The region now needs diplomacy and political solutions, not more acts of war causing more destruction and suffering', Eide said.