Robles and sixteen EU defence ministers assure that the UNIFIL mission will continue and call for an immediate ceasefire

Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, during the videoconference meeting with the Defence Ministers of the European Union present at the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon

Several Israeli attacks on peacekeepers in Lebanon in recent days have prompted this meeting, held by videoconference, to discuss the situation in southern Lebanon. Defence representatives from France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Estonia, Hungary, Malta and Cyprus took part.

"We have met to highlight all the concerns we have at the moment about the situation of UNIFIL in Lebanon. We have been very clear in saying that it is essential and fundamental for this mission to continue in order to comply with the United Nations Resolution," said Minister Robles.

The defence minister insisted that "no one other than the United Nations itself can make decisions on this mission and that, therefore, we will remain united in Lebanon defending the values of this resolution."

Ministers also emphasised the value of the work of the troops, both in de-escalating the conflict and in assisting the civilian population. In this regard, Robles expressed her "pride" in the work of the 650 Spanish military personnel who form part of the UNIFIL mission, which is under the command of Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro.

Meeting by videoconference between the Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, and the Ministers for Defence of the European Union with presence in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon

"We are going to be very firm in calling for a cessation of hostilities, for an immediate ceasefire, for the protection of UNIFIL facilities and the lives of all the people who are currently carrying out such an essential mission," remarked the defence minister.

Non official translation