France working on 21-day temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, French foreign minister states, by Reuters

By John Irish and Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS – France and the United States are collaborating to establish a 21-day temporary ceasefire between Lebanese Hezbollah militants and Israel, aimed at creating a window for broader negotiations, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Wednesday.

"A diplomatic solution is indeed possible. In recent days, we’ve worked with our American partners on a temporary ceasefire platform of 21 days to facilitate negotiations," he stated to the 15-member U.N. Security Council. He indicated that the proposal would be released soon.

Barrot expressed hope that both parties would accept the ceasefire promptly to safeguard civilian populations and initiate diplomatic talks. He is set to travel to Lebanon at the end of the week, noting that Paris has been engaged with the stakeholders to outline the framework for a peaceful resolution in accordance with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.

"It’s a demanding path, but it is a possible path," he remarked.

Resolution 1701, adopted after a month-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006, expanded the U.N. peacekeeping force’s mandate, enabling it to assist the Lebanese army in maintaining parts of southern Lebanon free from weapons or armed individuals aside from those associated with the Lebanese state.

However, this mandate has resulted in tensions with Hezbollah, which continues to dominate southern Lebanon despite the presence of the Lebanese army. Hezbollah is the most powerful military and political entity in the country.

Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood emphasized that fully implementing Resolution 1701 is essential for a long-term resolution. "The United States has engaged intensively with all parties in the region. Our aim is clear – to avert a broader war that is not in the interest of any party involved," Wood stated.

He added, "We are collaborating with other nations on a proposal that we hope will pave the way for calm and diplomatic discussions."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged that Lebanon must not be allowed to experience a situation similar to Gaza. He called for a unified message: "Stop the killing and destruction. Turn down the rhetoric and threats. Step back from the brink. An all-out war must be avoided at all costs."