Foreign ministers of 17 countries: International support for Aoun’s initiative and encouragement to seize the opportunity for negotiations

The foreign ministers of 17 countries, including Britain and France, expressed their support for the negotiating track between Lebanon and Israel, stressing the importance of seizing the current opportunity to make progress toward stability.

They said: "We welcome President Aoun’s initiative to open direct talks with Israel."

They also called on both sides to act seriously, saying: "We urge Israel and Lebanon to seize the opportunity of peace negotiations."

They noted that "direct negotiations could lead to lasting security for Lebanon and Israel."