The Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday strongly condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanon and called for an immediate ceasefire, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
Such aggressive actions threaten to hinder the ongoing negotiation process and create a risk of further escalation in the region, the ministry added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that he had given instructions to launch peace talks between Israel and Lebanon, which would also include disarming “Hezbollah”, Reuters reported.
“In view of Lebanon's numerous requests to start direct talks with Israel, yesterday I instructed the cabinet to start direct talks with Lebanon as soon as possible”, Netanyahu said. “The talks will focus on disarming “Hezbollah” and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon,” he added.
Earlier today, China called for restraint after Israel's attacks on Lebanon yesterday.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing called on the parties to exercise restraint and would help cool the situation in the region, DPA reported.
Lebanon's sovereignty and security must not be violated, she stressed.
In response to a question about the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, she said China hopes all parties will seize the opportunity to reach a truce and end the war through diplomatic channels.
China will continue to work for de-escalation, Ning stressed.