JAKARTA - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday that a temporary pause in hostilities in Lebanon was "not enough," and called for a "permanent path to peace."
EU leaders held a joint press conference with Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides, with regional participation from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, following an informal meeting of leaders in Nicosia.
"The important lesson of the past few weeks is that security cannot be separated. You cannot have stability in the Middle East or the Gulf while Lebanon is burning," von der Leyen said, quoted by Anadolu (24/4).
"So we call for respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he continued, stressing that regional security in the Middle East "is closely linked."
"A temporary pause is not enough. We need a permanent path to peace," von der Leyen added.
Von der Leyen welcomed the recent ceasefire in the region, but warned that the deal was still fragile and not enough to guarantee long-term stability.
He also argued that any lasting peace deal must address Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, describing them as a "real threat" to regional security.
Von der Leyen highlighted plans for deeper EU engagement with Syria, including a forthcoming high-level political dialogue aimed at exploring a framework for future cooperation.
Meanwhile, European Council President Antonio Costa echoed calls for de-escalation, saying the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has had "horrible consequences" for civilians and the global economy.
In addition, he urged the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz "without restrictions," calling freedom of navigation "very important for the whole world."
"The situation in Lebanon remains a serious concern for us. We hope for an extended ceasefire on the ground, and we call for diplomatic efforts to continue with full respect for international law and Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Costa said.
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