10 countries issue joint statement calling for Lebanon and Israel to conduct direct political negotiations

On March 31 local time, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the European Union issued a joint statement calling for Lebanon and Israel to engage in direct political negotiations to promote an end to the current conflict. The statement said that direct political negotiations help bring the conflict to a close and create conditions for lasting peace and coexistence in the region. The statement also called on all parties to avoid further escalation of the situation, to resume the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. The statement further urged Israel to avoid expanding the conflict, including refraining from launching ground operations on Lebanese territory. (CCTV News)