Nicosia: The Foreign Ministers of 18 European nations and Australia have issued a joint statement, including Cyprus, urging for Lebanon's active participation in regional de-escalation efforts and advocating for a sustainable political resolution to the ongoing conflict. According to Cyprus News Agency, the coalition of Foreign Ministers from nations such as Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, and several others emphasized the danger that the prolonged conflict in Lebanon poses to regional stability. They underscored the necessity for all parties to adhere to the ongoing ceasefire initiatives, which they have previously endorsed, to maintain regional peace. The Ministers lauded Lebanese President Aoun's initiative to engage in direct talks with Israel, with the talks being facilitated by the United States. They encouraged both nations to capitalize on this dialogue, highlighting that such negotiations could lead to enduring security for both Lebanon and Israel. They further called upon all involved parties to deescalate tensions and take advantage of the opportunities presented by the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. In their statement, the Ministers strongly condemned the aggressive actions by Hezbollah against Israel and the large-scale Israeli military responses in Lebanon on April 8, which resulted in significant casualties according to Lebanese authorities. They reminded all parties of the importance of protecting civilians and infrastructure as per international humanitarian law. The Foreign Ministers also expressed their condemnation of attacks against UNIFIL, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring the safety and security of UN peacekeepers at all times. They reaffirmed their solidarity with the Lebanese people and authorities, expressing readiness to provide emergency aid to the over one million displaced individuals in Lebanon in collaboration with the Lebanese government. The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of respecting Lebanon's territorial integrity and sov ereignty, alongside the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). The Ministers commended the Lebanese government's decision to curtail Hezbollah's military activities and to reinforce state authority over Beirut, urging swift implementation of these measures.