Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the announcement by Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, of a 10-day ceasefire agreement between the Lebanese Republic and the State of Israel, and commended the diplomatic efforts of the US President in facilitating the agreement.
In a statement, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that this development would constitute a positive step towards regional stability, stressing the importance of continuing international cooperation to prevent further escalation and its humanitarian and security repercussions in the region.
The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE's full solidarity with the Lebanese government and its support for it during this critical phase that the brotherly state of Lebanon is going through.
It also expressed support for the government's efforts to confine weapons to the state and dismantle terrorist organisations, as this step represents a pivotal point in the path of consolidating national security and stability.
The Ministry further affirmed its commitment to supporting Lebanon's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its unwavering support for the brotherly Lebanese people in a way that contributes to achieving their aspirations for security, stability, development and prosperity.
Trump said on Thursday night that Hezbollah was included in the ceasefire, but according to the US State Department, the truce committed Lebanon itself to dismantle the militant group, AFP reported.
The US leader said there were "excellent" phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
"These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST," or 2100 GMT," Trump said on his Truth Social network.
Netanyahu said the ceasefire with Lebanon offered an opportunity for a "historic peace agreement" with Beirut, but insisted disarmament of Hezbollah remained a precondition.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced upwards of a million, while Israeli ground forces have invaded the country's south.
