Morocco Calls for Respect of Lebanon’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity

Morocco called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, urging respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, during an International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty, held in Paris on Thursday. Representing the kingdom at this conference, was convened at the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron, Fouad Yazourh, Ambassador Director General of Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, underlined that Lebanon “cannot and should not continue bearing the brunt of conflicts driven by external regional agendas, which have left the nation ravaged.” Yazourh lauded President Macron’s efforts to organize the conference amidst a deeply concerning international and regional environment, marked by the largest military operations since 2006. He noted that “the Lebanese people have the right to peace, security, and long-awaited stability.” Morocco, he added, calls on the international community to facilitate a complete ceasefire under the supervision of the United Nations, ensure the safe return of displaced individuals with adequate protection, and provide essential humanitarian aid under the oversight of Lebanese authorities. He also stressed the importance of rebuilding war-damaged areas with support from the international community and official Lebanese institutions. Yazourh reaffirmed Morocco’s vision, guided by HM King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, underlining that managing the crisis is not enough; a definitive solution is essential. At the core of this impasse, he noted, lies the Palestinian question. For Morocco, a sustainable solution and lasting peace in the region hinge on a two-state solution: “an independent Palestine, including Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Without this, as His Majesty the King has repeatedly emphasized, enduring security and stability will remain elusive.” He also highlighted that HM King Mohammed VI has consistently pointed out that the political stalemate over the Palestinian issue is a primary driver of tensions in the Middle East. Reiterating Morocco’s solidarity with Lebanon’s people and government, Yazourh stressed the urgent need for “reason and diplomacy to prevail.” He underscored that “the immediate cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and Gaza must be our top priority, but it must be coupled with a political process capable of laying the groundwork for a just and stable peace in the whole region.” The conference, which brought together Lebanon’s partners, the United Nations, the European Union, and other international and regional organizations, aimed to mobilize the global community to address Lebanon’s urgent humanitarian needs and bolster support for its institutions, particularly the Lebanese Armed Forces.