site.btaUPDATED Bulgaria Deeply Concerned about Deteriorating Situation in Middle East, Lebanon in Particular

"Bulgaria is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and specifically in Lebanon in recent weeks. We support diplomatic efforts for ceasefire and de-escalation, full implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and increased humanitarian assistance," Bulgaria's permanent representative to the EU, Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov, was quoted as saying by the Foreign Ministry here on Monday after EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell convened an informal extraordinary videoconference meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in connection with the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and Lebanon in particular. Bulgaria's Permanent Representative to the EU, Ambassador Rumen Alexandrov, represented Bulgaria at the meeting. 

The EU foreign ministers discussed the crisis situation in Lebanon and the danger of a regional escalation. "Bulgaria is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and specifically in Lebanon in recent weeks. We support diplomatic efforts for ceasefire and de-escalation, full implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and increased humanitarian assistance," said Alexandrov. He stressed that achieving a sustainable peace in the Middle East and guaranteeing the security of all countries in the region can only be achieved by respecting the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law, the Foreign Ministry in Sofia said. 

The meeting came after media reports that Israel might be readying itself for a ground incursion into Lebanon some two weeks after it assaulted the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia that led to the assassination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

Borrell was quoted by AFP as saying after the meeting that any new Israeli intervention in Lebanon must be avoided. Israel's and Lebanon's sovereignty must be guaranteed. Any new military intervention will deteriorate the situation dramatically and must be avoided as a consequence, said Borrell, who is on a visit to Mexico. According to the EU's top diplomat, the Union must renew its calls for an immediate ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, adding that the voice of diplomacy must be heard by all.