Raggi to UN Security Council delegation: The state is solely responsible for defending Lebanon
12/5/2025 5:32:00 PM
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raggi welcomed a delegation of ambassadors and representatives of UN Security Council member states, currently visiting Lebanon to examine the situation closely and discuss the post-UNIFIL phase.
Minister Raggi expressed his appreciation for "the continued support of the United Nations and the Security Council to Lebanon, as well as for the role played by UNIFIL forces and the sacrifices of their soldiers over the past years," stressing that "research is currently underway to find a formula for post-UNIFIL phase."
The Minister also stressed "the need for Israel to cease its attacks on Lebanon and to withdraw immediately and unconditionally from the territories it occupies."
Raggi stressed that "the Lebanese government is proceeding with its decision to extend its authority over all its territory, and that it is solely responsible for defending Lebanon."
In response to questions from members of the delegation regarding Hezbollah's arms, the Foreign Minister asserted that "the Lebanese government's decision to restrict weapons to its sole control is not aimed at appeasing any external party, but rather serves Lebanon's interest in building the state and enabling it to exercise its authority over its entire territory," emphasizing "the importance of giving diplomatic solutions a chance after military options have proven incapable of defending Lebanon and deterring Israeli Attacks against it."
Minister Raggi expressed his appreciation for "the continued support of the United Nations and the Security Council to Lebanon, as well as for the role played by UNIFIL forces and the sacrifices of their soldiers over the past years," stressing that "research is currently underway to find a formula for post-UNIFIL phase."
The Minister also stressed "the need for Israel to cease its attacks on Lebanon and to withdraw immediately and unconditionally from the territories it occupies."
Raggi stressed that "the Lebanese government is proceeding with its decision to extend its authority over all its territory, and that it is solely responsible for defending Lebanon."
In response to questions from members of the delegation regarding Hezbollah's arms, the Foreign Minister asserted that "the Lebanese government's decision to restrict weapons to its sole control is not aimed at appeasing any external party, but rather serves Lebanon's interest in building the state and enabling it to exercise its authority over its entire territory," emphasizing "the importance of giving diplomatic solutions a chance after military options have proven incapable of defending Lebanon and deterring Israeli Attacks against it."