Bou Habib hoped that “Algeria, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council and a major supporter of Lebanon, would exert additional pressure in the Council to prevent Israel from targeting archaeological sites in the cities of Baalbek and Tyre, or exposing them to danger as a result of the raids it launches near them.”
He also affirmed “Lebanon’s principled position of its readiness to implement Security Council Resolution No. 1701 in parallel, strengthen the deployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River, and extend state control and Lebanese legitimacy.”
For his part, the Algerian ambassador handed over to Bou Habib a list of twenty-six Lebanese students who were accepted to study in Algerian universities for the academic year 2024-2025, in several specializations, most notably medicine, according to scholarships allocated by Algeria to Lebanon.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his thanks to Algeria for this generous initiative, considering it “a token of brotherhood and friendship between the Lebanese and Algerian peoples,” and praising the continuous record of Algerian initiatives towards Lebanon.
In light of the fact that the ancient Phoenician cities in Lebanon are at risk of destruction, the head of the caretaker government in Lebanon, Najib Mikati, earlier called on the UN Security Council to protect historical archaeological sites from Israeli bombing.
Mikati called for “an immediate ceasefire, an end to the senseless violence, and the protection of cultural heritage, including the ancient archaeological sites in the cities of Baalbek and Tyre.” He called on the Security Council to take quick and decisive measures to protect these historical treasures that not only form part of the national identity, but also carry importance as landmarks. “Global historical.”
Lebanon includes five sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which are at risk due to the unprecedented Israeli raids on Baalbek and Tyre.
Source: RT
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Abdallah Bou Habib religion
**Interview with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Bou Habib. Your recent address to the UN Security Council focused on important concerns regarding Israel’s actions and their implications for Lebanon’s cultural heritage. Can you elaborate on the points you made about Algeria’s role as a non-permanent member of the Security Council?
**Bou Habib:** Thank you for having me. In my address, I expressed hope that Algeria, as a supportive ally of Lebanon and a non-permanent member of the Security Council, would play an influential role in advocating for the protection of our archaeological sites. The cities of Baalbek and Tyre are not only integral to Lebanon’s history but also to the global cultural heritage. It is crucial that we prevent any damage resulting from military operations or nearby raids.
**Editor:** You mentioned the risks posed to archaeological sites by these military actions. Can you share what specific dangers these sites face?
**Bou Habib:** Yes, the ongoing conflict and military activities near these sites create a tangible risk of damage to ancient structures. Bombings and military strikes can lead to irreversible harm, both physically and culturally. Protecting these sites is not just about preserving Lebanon’s heritage; it’s about safeguarding history for all humanity.
**Editor:** What actions do you expect the international community, especially the Security Council, to take in response to these threats?
**Bou Habib:** I hope to see a united stance from the international community, particularly the Security Council, calling for the protection of cultural heritage during conflicts. This includes enforcing resolutions that condemn attacks on civilian sites and ensuring that nations involved in conflict respect these important symbols of human history.
**Editor:** In your position, what message do you want to convey to the Lebanese people and to the broader international community regarding these issues?
**Bou Habib:** To the Lebanese people, I want to assure them that we are actively seeking support and taking a principled stance against aggression. To the international community, I urge vigilance in recognizing the importance of cultural preservation amidst conflict. Protecting our heritage is a collective responsibility that transcends borders.
