Today, the UN Security Council held an urgent meeting to discuss the latest developments in Lebanon. The briefing, requested by Algeria, followed a series of attacks on 17 and 18 September across Lebanon which detonated electronic communication devices. Explosions were also reported in neighboring Syria.

Slovenia expressed profound concern over the recent developments in the Middle East and called for maximum restraint by all actors in the region. Diplomatic solutions that offer long-term stability must be the only path forward.

In its statement Slovenia emphasized three points. Firstly, it condemned the wave of explosions in Lebanon and Syria, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries; it called on all parties to respect international law, and it supported an independent and transparent investigation.

Secondly, given the fact that the tensions between Lebanon and Israel are alarming, especially along the Blue Line, Slovenia reiterated its call for full implementation of resolution 1701. “We are appalled by the heavy impact on civilian infrastructure and civilians, many of whom have been displaced,” stressed Ambassador Samuel Žbogar in his remarks.

People in Beirut and beyond were shocked by two days of attacks. According to the initial reports, communication device explosions injured nearly 3000 people and killed at least 37 in Lebanon, while in Syria similar blasts injured 14 people.

Thirdly, Slovenia called for de-escalation in the region. “The situation between Lebanon and Israel and the war in Gaza threaten to spark a wider conflict, especially with Israel’s stated intention to expand military action beyond its northern border. We have to be clear: such action would be an attack on a sovereign state,” added the Ambassador.

The region cannot endure another full-blown war, diplomacy must be used without delay.

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