Cyprus President: US and France working on diplomatic initiative for Lebanon

(Patria) - The United States and France are trying to reach a temporary agreement to stop hostilities between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah with the aim of opening broader diplomatic talks, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday.

"I don't see that we can have (a broad) agreement, but rather a form of temporary agreement to avoid further escalation. This is currently an effort, particularly by the United States and France," Christodoulides told Reuters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is the closest European Union member state, about 264 km from Lebanon. It has led efforts for maritime aid to Gaza and has a key interest in developments in Lebanon should the need arise 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 recent days, there has been a lot of consideration to avoid further escalation, especially with Lebanon. There is a diplomatic initiative by the United States and France," he said, adding that the meetings in New York could be crucial.

"Avoid further escalation to give time for diplomacy to find a lasting solution," he said.