Amman, Oct. 2 (Petra) -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Ayman Safadi on Wednesday called for immediate and effective international action to halt the dangerous escalation pushing the region toward an all-out war.

He emphasized the necessity of achieving an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon and ending Israel's escalatory measures in the occupied West Bank.

In a telephone conversation with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Safadi stressed that no one has an interest in driving the region into a full-scale war that would threaten regional and international security and peace.

He underscored that halting this escalation must be a regional and international priority.

Safadi stated that de-escalation begins with stopping Israeli aggression on Gaza and Lebanon, warning of the catastrophic consequences of expanding the Israeli war to Lebanon and launching a ground offensive, which would impact the security of the entire region.

He affirmed during the call that Jordan will not be a battlefield for anyone and will confront with all its capabilities any threat to its security, stability, and the safety of its citizens.

He noted that Jordan has clearly communicated this position to both Iran and Israel.

Safadi highlighted the importance of supporting the initiative of Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, which aligns with the proposal put forward by U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The initiative confirms Lebanon's commitment to deploying its army in the south, implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and initiating the process of electing a Lebanese president once a ceasefire is achieved.

He reaffirmed Jordan's absolute support for Lebanon, its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens, stressing the need to launch an international campaign to provide humanitarian aid to Lebanon, which is facing the challenge of meeting the needs of more than one million displaced persons forced from their homes.

Safadi confirmed that Jordan, under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, has begun sending aid to Lebanon and is ready to cooperate with all countries in delivering their assistance.

He warned of the consequences of the continued Israeli aggression on Gaza and the worsening humanitarian catastrophe it is causing, stressing the need to pressure Israel to comply with international law, allow sufficient and immediate aid into Gaza, and enable UN and humanitarian organizations to distribute it to all those in need.

Safadi and Lammy discussed regional and international efforts aimed at ending the escalation and affirmed continued cooperation in efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon and protect the region from sliding into a comprehensive war.

They also followed up on the discussions that His Majesty King Abdullah II and British Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer had during a phone call yesterday.

//Petra// AA


02/10/2024 20:29:35