Aoun hails 'victory', urges southerners to show restraint and trust army
President Joseph Aoun said in a statement addressing the people of southern Lebanon on Sunday that “Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable" and that he is "following up on this issue at the highest levels to ensure your rights and dignity.”
"This is a day of victory for Lebanon and the Lebanese -- a victory of right, sovereignty and national unity. As I share you this great joy, I call on you to show restraint and trust the Lebanese Armed Forces, which are keen on protecting our sovereignty and security and securing your safe return to your homes and towns," Aoun said in a statement.
His remarks came after Israeli troops fired at residents of south Lebanon on Sunday, killing at least three and wounding 44, as hundreds of people tried to return to their homes on the deadline for Israeli forces to withdraw from the area.
Israel was all but certain to miss Sunday's deadline, which is part of a ceasefire agreement that ended its war with Hezbollah two months ago.
The deal that took effect on November 27 said the Lebanese Army was to deploy alongside United Nations peacekeepers in the south as the Israeli army withdrew over a 60-day period.
That period ends on Sunday.
Source: Associated Press, Agence France Presse, Naharnet
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