US pledges 'robust engagement' to prevent wider conflict in region

On October 11, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed that the US will continue to strongly engage through diplomatic solutions in Lebanon to prevent a broader conflict in the region.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken answers reporters about the situation in Lebanon on October 11. (Source: AFP)

Responding to reporters about the situation in Lebanon after the East Asia Summit in Laos, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: "We continue to engage strongly to prevent broader conflicts in the region."

“We all have a very strong interest in trying to create an environment where people can go home, where safety and security are assured, where children can go back to school. So Israel has a clear and very legitimate interest in doing that. The Lebanese people want the same thing. We believe that the best way to achieve that is through a diplomatic understanding, an understanding that we have been working on for some time and an understanding that we are focusing on right now,” the US diplomat said.

Mr Blinken noted that Israel “reserves the right to defend itself” against Hezbollah, but said he was concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation.

On the same day, according to an announcement from the US State Department, Mr. Blinken had a phone call with Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri. During the phone calls, the US Secretary of State expressed his view that “Lebanon cannot allow Iran or Hezbollah to hinder its security and stability.”

Lebanon's presidency has been vacant for two years and Mr Blinken stressed the need to "empower leadership that reflects the will of the people for a stable, prosperous and independent Lebanon".

Mr Blinken's statement did not mention discussions about a possible ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed militias.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tinh-hinh-lebanon-my-cam-ket-tham-gia-manh-me-de-ngan-chan-xung-dot-rong-lon-hon-trong-khu-vuc-289825.html