Lebanese President Aoun acknowledged international support during meetings with Quintet ambassadors while addressing recent unrest linked to a UNIFIL attack. He emphasized the importance of reforms, the readiness of the Lebanese Army for Israeli withdrawal, and ongoing investigations into the attack. Additionally, he called for international pressure on Israel to adhere to withdrawal agreements and highlighted the need for domestic focus on economic issues post-withdrawal.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun commended the ambassadors of the Quintet Committee for their role in facilitating the presidential election and thanked their countries for supporting Lebanon. During a meeting at Baabda Palace with ambassadors from France, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, Aoun discussed their commitment to help Lebanon navigate future challenges and reiterated the need for international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
Aoun emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to reforms as highlighted in his inaugural address and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s ministerial statement. Aoun addressed the recent turmoil near Beirut Airport, confirming the issuance of arrest warrants for individuals involved in the attack on a UNIFIL convoy, underscoring that while freedom of expression is vital, public disorder will not be tolerated.
He assured the ambassadors of the Lebanese Army’s readiness to deploy to areas from which Israeli forces will withdraw. Aoun called on the U.S. and France to exert pressure on Israel to abide by the agreed timeline for withdrawal and mentioned ongoing negotiations at the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura to finalize border demarcation and resolve disputes along the Blue Line.
The Egyptian ambassador, representing the Quintet Committee, highlighted the critical nature of Israel’s complete withdrawal. This move, he stated, would enable Lebanon to concentrate on urgent domestic issues, particularly economic reforms and reconstruction efforts, bolstered by the Committee’s commitment to provide support.
Separately, President Aoun met with UNIFIL Force Commander General Aroldo Lázaro to discuss developments in South Lebanon prior to Israel’s withdrawal. Aoun expressed Lebanon’s condemnation of the recent attack on the UNIFIL deputy commander’s convoy, affirming that investigations are underway and that suspects are being pursued, in line with Lebanon’s respect for the UNIFIL mission and its peacekeeping role.
President Joseph Aoun’s recent meetings underscore Lebanon’s commitment to reforms, international cooperation, and the pursuit of justice following attacks on UNIFIL. His discussions with the Quintet ambassadors emphasize the need for continued support from the international community in achieving stability and addressing Lebanon’s intricate challenges, particularly regarding Israel’s withdrawal and internal economic reforms.
Original Source: www.lbcgroup.tv
