Beirut, Lebanon - October 03, 2024

Storyline:
Lebanese Industry Minister George Bouchikian called on the international community to pressure Israel to stop its war on Lebanon and abide by UN Security Council Resolution 1701, stressing that a diplomatic solution is the only way to stop the war and reduce escalation in the Middle East.

In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Beirut on Thursday, the minister pointed out that diplomatic solution remains essential for addressing the neglected ceasefire issue in Lebanon.

He said that a number of factories were damaged in some areas due to the conflict, noting that the industrial sector in general was not affected and is working well.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was time to stop the war in Lebanon and implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, following the Israeli army's announcement of a "limited" ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

UN Security Council Resolution 1701 is intended to resolve the 2006 Lebanon War. It calls for a full cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon to be replaced by Lebanese and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) forces deploying to southern Lebanon, and the disarmament of armed groups including Hezbollah, with no armed forces other than UNIFIL and Lebanese military south of the Litani River, which flows about 29 km north of the border.

Shotlist:
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 2, 2024:
1. Various of black smoke rising over bombarded area in city;
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 3, 2024 :
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) George Bouchikian, Lebanese Industry Minister (partially overlaid with shots 3-4):
"Of course, the diplomatic solution is always on the table, and it is the right one within the framework of international resolutions that we all know, including the story of the ceasefire, which is a necessary and fundamental issue. Unfortunately, this issue has been neglected, but we have a starting point: UN Resolution 1701. It is a basic condition that must be implemented by both the Israeli side and the Lebanese side."
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
FILE: UN Headquarters, New York City - Date Unknown:
3. United Nations headquarter buildings;
4. UN flag;
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 1, 2024:
5. Various of fire and black smoke rising from damaged building after Israeli airstrike, ambulances, fire engines;
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 3, 2024:
6. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) George Bouchikian, Lebanese Industry Minister:
"In some areas in the south, a few factories were unfortunately bombed, while others remain closed in high-risk areas. Factory owners have shut them down due to fears of being affected by Israeli aggression, based on previous experiences. However, in the rest of the areas, the industrial sector continues to operate normally, and the Ministry of Industry is functioning as usual, with imports and exports proceeding smoothly."
Lebanon - Recent:
7. Various of smoke rising after airstrikes.

[Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]