Latest news with #YoussefRajji
LBCI
4 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
French Ambassador, Lebanese FM discuss Syria and UNIFIL mandate
Lebanon's Foreign Minister, Youssef Rajji, met with French Ambassador to Lebanon, Hervé Magro, to discuss the latest developments in Syria and the need to shield Lebanon from any potential fallout. Both sides emphasized the urgency of resolving outstanding issues between Lebanon and Syria, underscoring the importance of coordinated diplomacy during a period of regional volatility. Ambassador Magro briefed Minister Rajji on ongoing diplomatic efforts led by France to secure the renewal of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose mandate remains vital to stability along the border.
LBCI
6 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Foreign Ministry defends Rajji's Brussels participation, denies meeting with Israeli official
Lebanon's Foreign Ministry pushed back Wednesday against Israeli interpretations of Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji's participation in a European Union regional conference, saying claims he engaged with his Israeli counterpart distort the facts. In a statement, the ministry clarified that Rajji did not meet or speak with the Israeli foreign minister during the Brussels gathering. Rather, he joined a broad session that included the foreign ministers of Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco. Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria were represented by their ambassadors to Belgium. The ministry noted Lebanon has taken part in similar meetings with EU and Mediterranean states for three decades. It added that Lebanon also participates annually in the U.N. General Assembly, where Israeli officials are present. The statement emphasized that Rajji's participation was coordinated with both the president and the prime minister, and underscored that Lebanon 'chose presence over absence' to make its voice heard.
MTV Lebanon
6 days ago
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Foreign Ministry Issues Clarification on Statement Attributed to Rajji
In response to Israeli interpretations and deliberate attempts to portray Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji's participation in the Conference of Neighboring Countries with the European Union as something other than what it truly was, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to clarify the following: The Lebanese Foreign Minister did not meet with the Israeli Foreign Minister. He attended a broad session that included Arab foreign ministers from the Mediterranean region (Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco). As for the ministers who did not attend, namely those of Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria, they were represented by their ambassadors accredited in Belgium. Lebanon has consistently participated in these meetings alongside Mediterranean countries since the launch of the Barcelona Process thirty years ago. Meetings like these are not limited to the European Union and Mediterranean countries; Lebanon also participates annually in the United Nations General Assembly, where Israel is also present. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that Minister Rajji's participation in the Brussels conference was coordinated with the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister. Finally, it is worth noting that Lebanon's Foreign Minister chose to affirm Lebanon's presence rather than shy away, raising his voice and that of Lebanon to clearly express opposition to the ongoing Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory, calling on participating countries to pressure Israel to withdraw and to stop its repeated violations against Lebanon. Among the statements Minister Raji made during the session: "The ongoing occupation is a major obstacle to de-escalation in southern Lebanon. I call on the European Union to mobilize its diplomatic efforts to halt Israeli aggression and to support Lebanon's right to full sovereignty. Any weakening of the Lebanese Army's role would endanger regional stability."
LBCI
15-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanon's FM urges EU to uphold sovereignty, warns of ongoing Israeli threats
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to asserting full sovereignty over all of its territory, as outlined in the Taif Agreement and reiterated in the government's policy statement. Speaking at the 5th EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Rajji called on the EU to support Lebanon's right to full sovereignty, provide guarantees to prevent future escalation and launch a comprehensive initiative to support the Lebanese army. He emphasized that the army remains the sole legitimate armed force in southern Lebanon, alongside UNIFIL, and is a key pillar of peace and security. Rajji highlighted that the Lebanese army has significantly bolstered its deployment south of the Litani River, with troop numbers expected to reach 10,000—a clear indication of Lebanon's determination to protect national sovereignty and promote regional stability. He warned that the continued occupation of five strategic hilltops—despite a U.S.- and French-mediated agreement—remains a significant obstacle to de-escalation in southern Lebanon. He added that ongoing drone attacks and strikes in both the South and the Bekaa Valley demand urgent international attention. Rajji urged the European Union to mobilize its diplomatic efforts to stop these violations and to uphold Lebanon's right to full sovereignty. He cautioned that weakening the role of the Lebanese army would endanger regional stability and reiterated the importance of renewing UNIFIL's mandate for another year. He also proposed a joint Euro-Arab conference dedicated to Lebanon's reconstruction and economic recovery and addressed the issue of Syrian displacement—calling for the launch of a safe, dignified, and coordinated return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.
MTV Lebanon
15-07-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
15 Jul 2025 14:04 PM Rajji urges EU support for Lebanese sovereignty and army at Brussels summit
Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to asserting full sovereignty over its entire territory, as outlined in the Taif Agreement and reiterated in the ministerial declaration. Speaking at the 5th EU–Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Rajji urged the European Union to support Lebanon's sovereign rights, provide guarantees to prevent future escalation, and launch a comprehensive initiative to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces—the only legitimate military force in the south alongside UNIFIL. Rajji noted the army's expanded deployment south of the Litani River, expected to reach 10,000 troops, as a clear signal of Lebanon's determination to protect its sovereignty and stabilize the region. Moreover, the Foreign Minister warned that the continued Israeli occupation of five strategic hills, despite US- and French-brokered understandings, remains a key obstacle to de-escalation. He called on the EU to intensify diplomatic efforts to halt violations and to renew UNIFIL's mandate. He also proposed a joint Euro-Arab conference for Lebanon's reconstruction and urged progress on the dignified return of Syrian refugees. On the sidelines, Rajji met with several Arab and EU foreign ministers, including Syria's Assad al-Shibani and Spain's José Manuel Albares, who is expected to visit Beirut this fall.
