Arab League's Zaki urges world to press Israel to withdraw from Lebanon

Arab League Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki met Thursday in Lebanon with President Joseph Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri.

Speaking after his talks with Aoun, Zaki said his visit is aimed at “stressing the Arab League’s support for the principle of extending the authority of the state and monopolizing weapons in its hand.”

“We join the Lebanese leadership in calling on the international community to press Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territory and implement the ceasefire resolutions. We also emphasized that the U.S. mediation is ongoing in this regard and that the mediator must compel the Israeli side to implement the decisions,” Zaki added.

“No one wants Lebanon to descend into a situation in which it bears undesired consequences,” Zaki said, apparently referring to the domestic situation in the wake of the government’s decision to disarm Hezbollah and all armed groups.

The Arab League official also hoped wisdom prevails and the parties show “a patriotic vision for the sake of the country’s interest,” noting that “the main objective is restoring stability and civil peace and consolidating the state’s full sovereignty.”