Italian premier meets with Lebanese counterpart in Rome

ISTANBUL

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Rome to discuss the cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon and developments in Syria.

The two leaders held talks at Chigi, the prime ministerial palace in Rome, with separate statements issued by both sides afterward.

Meloni "confirmed the Italian Government’s commitment to supporting the ceasefire in Lebanon," said the Italian government's statement.

It added that she "recalled the crucial role" Italy plays through its contingent in the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, and its command of the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon tasked with coordinating international support for the country's armed forces.

Meloni emphasized the importance of preserving Syria's unity and territorial integrity, stressing the need for inclusiveness and the protection of minorities.

She also "shared with Prime Minister Mikati the urgent need to create the conditions for refugees to be able to return on a voluntary basis and in a safe, dignified and sustainable way," the statement said.

According to a statement released by the media office of the Lebanese prime minister, the historic relations between Lebanon and Italy were discussed during the meeting.

Mikati thanked Meloni for her support for Lebanon and its army, especially in relation to the cease-fire with Israel. He also expressed appreciation for Italy's active participation in UNIFIL.

Lebanese authorities have reported around 220 Israeli violations of the cease-fire since the deal came into force on Nov. 27.

Under the cease-fire terms, Israel is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line — a de facto border — in phases, while the Lebanese army is to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

The US and France are responsible for overseeing the agreement's implementation, but details on enforcement mechanisms are unclear.

Over 4,000 people have been killed and more than 16,500 injured in Israeli attacks in Lebanon, and over 1 million others have been displaced since October 2023, according to Lebanese health authorities.

*Writing by Efe Ozkan