New york: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Raji, met at the United Nations headquarters in New York with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who reiterated the UN’s full support for Lebanon and its people, while sympathizing with the country in light of the numerous challenges it has faced.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Guterres considered that “the Security Council’s one-year extension of the UNIFIL mandate was the best possible outcome,” reaffirming the United Nations’ stance in calling on Israel to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory.

Guterres emphasized “the UN’s support for the Lebanese government’s position regarding the extension of state authority over all Lebanese territory.”

In turn, Minister Rajji commended the United Nations for supporting Lebanon, asserting that “the Lebanese government has made a firm and irreversible decision to control the use of weapons,” adding that “this decision is being implemented wisely and determinedly.”

He also stressed “the need for the international community to pressure Israel to withdraw from Lebanon and cease its attacks against it.”

Moreover, Rajji expressed concern about “reports indicating Israel’s intention to expand buffer zones along the southern border,” and demanded “the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israel.”

He also underlined “the importance of finding a mechanism to replace UNIFIL after its withdrawal,” reaffirming that the security and safety of UNIFIL personnel are a top priority for Lebanon, and condemning all attacks against the force and its facilities.

Rajji also addressed the issue of the Syrian displacement, stating that “Lebanon cannot bear any more of the burden of this displacement, for economic, social, and security reasons,” and highlighting “the need to support the return of refugees and displaced persons to Syria.”

In conclusion of their talks, Rajji touched on the “financial crisis facing the United Nations,” expressing his hope that the interests of Lebanese staff members at the UN would be taken into consideration.