The US, France are working on a plan to engage with Lebanon, says the president of Cyprus By Reuters

By John Irish and Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United States and France are trying to stop a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah in order to open broader talks, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday.

“I don’t see that we can have a (comprehensive) agreement but it should be a kind of temporary agreement to avoid further escalation. This is an effort at the moment mainly from the United States and France,” Christodoulides told Reuters alongside. the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is the closest European Union member, about 264 kilometers (164 miles) from Lebanon. It has been at the forefront of maritime relief efforts in Gaza and has a significant interest in developments in Lebanon in case there is a need to evacuate foreign nationals.

Christodoulides said he spoke with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and French President Emmanuel Macron in New York and by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“In the last days there are many talks to avoid further progress, especially in Lebanon. There is a diplomatic program from the United States and France,” he said, adding that the meetings in New York on Wednesday will be important.

“Avoid further escalation to allow time for negotiations to find a lasting solution,” he said.