Raggi receives UK Minister: Diplomatic solution is our sole option
4/16/2026 6:54:03 PM
Lebanon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raggi received the UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, in an expanded meeting that addressed the latest developments and updates on the Lebanese arena, as well as the course of the anticipated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
The UK Minister affirmed his country's "support for this path," describing it as the right decision. Falconer also stressed the importance of reaching a ceasefire" and said, "There is a historic opportunity that Lebanon must seize."
The UK Official also called on the Lebanese government to take concrete steps demonstrating its seriousness in moving toward restricting weapons to the hands of the state.
In turn, Minister Raggi emphasized that Lebanon places great hopes on these negotiations, reiterating that "the diplomatic solution has always been the only option to stop Israeli attacks, secure Israel's withdrawal, return detainees, and demarcate the land borders."
Raggi further stressed that "moving forward with direct negotiations has consecrated the principle of separating the Lebanese file from the Iranian one, and that the Lebanese state alone negotiates on behalf of Lebanon."
At the conclusion of the meeting, Falconer reaffirmed his country's "support for the Lebanese people and standing by them during this critical phase," and informed the Minister of the decision to increase the UK’s humanitarian assistance to Lebanon.
Falconer also extended an official invitation to Raggi to visit the United Kingdom.
The UK Minister affirmed his country's "support for this path," describing it as the right decision. Falconer also stressed the importance of reaching a ceasefire" and said, "There is a historic opportunity that Lebanon must seize."
The UK Official also called on the Lebanese government to take concrete steps demonstrating its seriousness in moving toward restricting weapons to the hands of the state.
In turn, Minister Raggi emphasized that Lebanon places great hopes on these negotiations, reiterating that "the diplomatic solution has always been the only option to stop Israeli attacks, secure Israel's withdrawal, return detainees, and demarcate the land borders."
Raggi further stressed that "moving forward with direct negotiations has consecrated the principle of separating the Lebanese file from the Iranian one, and that the Lebanese state alone negotiates on behalf of Lebanon."
At the conclusion of the meeting, Falconer reaffirmed his country's "support for the Lebanese people and standing by them during this critical phase," and informed the Minister of the decision to increase the UK’s humanitarian assistance to Lebanon.
Falconer also extended an official invitation to Raggi to visit the United Kingdom.