The UK Defense Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME) Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, met Wednesday with senior Lebanese and U.N. officials and reiterated the UK’s call for an immediate ceasefire, and a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701. Ahlgren expressed condolences on the deaths of Lebanese Army soldiers and officers, and Lebanese civilians.

Ahlgren met with Nabih Berri, Speaker of Parliament, General Joseph Aoun, Chief of Defense for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon and held a virtual meeting with Force Commander Major General Aroldo Lázaro, UNIFIL Head of Mission. He was accompanied during his visits by British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell and Defense Attaché Lt. Colonel Charles Smith.