Aoun calls for 'state-to-state' relations with Iran, full implementation of framework deal
President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed on Monday Lebanon’s unyielding commitment to the full implementation of the Israeli-Lebanese framework agreement, underscoring the vital, supportive, and earnest role of the United States in facilitating the process.
Aoun described Washington as a steadfast partner in enforcing the agreement and cautioned that Israel cannot achieve its strategic objectives through sheer destruction, violence, and the targeted killing of innocent civilians.
Israel and Lebanon announced the framework agreement in June, laying out a plan for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament. Hezbollah has refused direct talks and does not want to disarm while Israel has continued to strike southern Lebanon, killing an entire family in the village of Ansar on Saturday, including three children and two women.
Israel is also still occupying a "security" zone along the border. The agreement states that Israeli forces must gradually withdraw from pilot zones as the Lebanese army deploys there.
Aoun said service-oriented ministries have begun deploying alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces across newly secured towns and villages, restoring critical civic infrastructure and public utilities for residents to return.
The president added that diplomacy with Tehran must operate strictly on a state-to-state basis grounded in mutual respect and in non-interference in domestic affairs.
Source: Naharnet
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