JAKARTA - German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged the Israeli and Lebanese governments to continue direct negotiation paths to realize long-term peace.
He said Germany welcomed the 10-day ceasefire agreed to by Israel and Lebanon, following a US-mediated meeting in Washington.
According to him, the ceasefire could provide a "critical pause" for people on both sides of the border, who are most affected by the conflict.
"A long-term agreement is now needed to ensure border security, protect civilian populations on both sides of the Blue Line, and protect UNIFIL peacekeepers," Wadephu said, referring to the 120-km-long withdrawal line of troops set by the United Nations in 2000 to separate Israel and Lebanon.
He stressed that long-term security in the region was only possible if the Lebanese Hezbollah movement was disarmed of all its weapons.
"Germany contributes to stability in Lebanon by supporting the Lebanese army and security forces. As the largest humanitarian donor to the Lebanese people, we support those suffering from the war, especially more than one million refugees in the country," Wadephul said, quoted by ANTARA from Sputnik.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern that a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon could be threatened by the continuation of military operations.
"I fully support the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel announced yesterday by President (US Donald) Trump. I also express concern that the ceasefire may have been undermined by ongoing military operations," Macron wrote on X.
"Hezbollah must lay down its weapons. Israel must respect Lebanon's sovereignty and stop the war," he wrote, adding.
The French leader called on the warring parties to protect the safety of civilians.
Previously on Thursday (16/4), President Trump announced that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the head of the Israeli authorities Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire in an effort to achieve peace.
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