Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty has emphasized that Egypt will continue its efforts to stop the escalation in Lebanon. The primary goal is to protect the region’s security and stability, especially for the Lebanese people.
Speaking to “Sky News Arabia” from New York, Abdel Atty highlighted that Cairo had previously warned of the risk of escalating tensions. He cautioned that the region could be dragged into a larger regional war, threatening stability.
Clear Stance Against Violations
Abdel Atty reiterated Egypt’s firm stance. He stated, “Our position is clear. We aim to shield Lebanon and its people from any unjustified escalation, which we strongly condemn. Any act that violates Lebanon’s sovereignty or threatens its unity and political stability is unacceptable.”
He also condemned the repeated bombings in southern Beirut and southern Lebanon, which have targeted civilians. “These actions are blatant violations of international law,” he said.
Egypt’s Role in Maintaining Stability
The foreign minister emphasized Egypt’s significant role in the Middle East. He pointed out, “We operate in an international system governed by rules and principles. Violating the sovereignty of a nation does not contribute to stability in the region.”
Abdel Atty stressed that Egypt’s top priority remains maintaining stability in the troubled Middle East.
Diplomatic Consultations with the U.S.
Abdel Atty shared that he had held multiple meetings with U.S. officials during the United Nations General Assembly. These meetings focused on the escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
“I met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on several occasions, including during his recent visit to Cairo. Our message to him has been consistent: escalation risks harming the security and stability of the region,” said Abdel Atty.
He revealed that Egypt had warned the U.S. multiple times about the possibility of the situation worsening. “We made it clear that this would not serve the interests of the U.S., Egypt, or the region,” he stated.
Abdel Atty urged Blinken to take decisive action to prevent further reckless attacks. “We continue our dialogue with the U.S. to reduce tensions and prevent a regional war,” he added.
Efforts to End the Gaza Conflict
Abdel Atty also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has been raging for nearly a year. He affirmed that Egypt’s efforts to mediate a peace agreement “have not and will not stop.”
“We are committed to protecting Palestinian lives and achieving a ceasefire immediately. This will prevent further suffering for innocent civilians in Gaza and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches them,” he added.
Abdel Atty confirmed that Egypt is working closely with the U.S. and Qatar to mediate a ceasefire. “If we are serious about stopping the escalation in the region, we must address the root cause of the conflict in Gaza,” he explained.
He concluded by stating that a resolution to the Gaza conflict would reduce the likelihood of escalation in Lebanon and throughout the region.
