Negotiations with Israel Must Separate Lebanon Issue from Iran

An officer visits the site of an Israeli attack in Beirut, Lebanon. © UNHCR/Houssam Hariri

JAKARTA - Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji stressed that direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel must separate the issue surrounding Iran from the conflict in Lebanon.

He made the statement when speaking via telephone with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

"Minister Rajji thanked Berlin for its humanitarian and political support, and noted that Lebanon was seeking to reach a ceasefire through direct negotiations with Israel," the Lebanese ministry said in a statement quoted by Sputnik, Monday, April 13.

"He stressed that the development of this process actually strengthens the separation of Lebanon's affairs from the Iranian issue," the ministry added.

Rajji also stressed that only Lebanon has the right to negotiate on behalf of the country, which is a clear signal of efforts to restore the principle of national sovereignty in Lebanese diplomacy.

Wadephul also conveyed full support for the Lebanese government's efforts to strengthen sovereignty and achieve stability.

He also reiterated that Germany was working to achieve a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, and informed Rajji of a humanitarian aid package worth 45 million euros (about Rp904.1 billion) for the Lebanese people.