Spanish FM calls for int'l peace conference on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno on Tuesday called for holding an international peace conference to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to a statement issued by Lebanon's Council of Ministers, reported Xinhua.

"The international peace conference is a Spanish proposal, and thus, we will have a role in developing the peace plan presented by Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell after the Foreign Affairs Council session," Bueno said during his meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in the Lebanese capital of Beirut.

Bueno said his country called for a two-state solution and recognition of "a realistic and viable" State of Palestine.

"The suffering of the civilian population in Gaza is unbearable, and we cannot continue to see more deaths and the suffering of the families of the hostages who must be released immediately," he said, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

The Spanish top diplomat assured that Spain will work for stability and peace in the Middle East and cooperate with friendly countries to reach this goal.

For his part, Mikati thanked Spain for its constant support for Lebanon on all levels while praising the role of the Spanish battalion operating within the framework of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The Lebanese leader also reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to the UN Resolution 1701.

Bueno arrived in Lebanon on Tuesday on an official visit to discuss the latest developments in Lebanon and the rest of the region. He said he would visit all countries in the region in a bid to resolve the existing armed conflicts.