Aoun urges Netanyahu to 'change approach' if he really wants peace
President Joseph Aoun vowed Monday not to compromise on Lebanon's sovereign rights or the security of its southern border, ahead of crucial regional negotiations in Rome.
Aoun insisted on a full Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territories and a written commitment from Israel that it has no ambitions in Lebanon.
"The goals shared by all Lebanese are clear: full withdrawal, reconstruction, the return of displaced people, and the repatriation of prisoners and remains. We must pursue this path now that the path of war has failed."
Aoun, who will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington this month, said he will ask him to hold Israel to its previous commitments and "exert the necessary pressure on it."
The President hoped the negotiations scheduled in Rome tomorrow and the day after would yield concrete, practical steps on the ground -- initiating a full Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the now-occupied territories.
Aoun urged Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to change his approach, noting that military force alone cannot guarantee long-term stability.
"True stability can only be achieved through negotiations and the recognition that more wars yield nothing but more death, destruction, and displacement."
"It is impossible to sustain an aggressive approach while speaking of peace and security," the President argued, pointing out that history clearly shows that war and force do not lead to peace and stability. "Israel must change its approach if it truly wishes to secure peace for its people and stability for the region."
Aoun also addressed the Lebanese people, especially those in the south, whom he said are weary of war. He emphasized that only the army and the state can protect them — not political parties or sects.
"The people of the South deserve to live in safety and stability rather than losing their children and watching their property and land be destroyed time and again."
"Why must Lebanon and the South always pay the price?" he asked.
Source: Naharnet
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