Aoun says Lebanon determined to continue negotiations with Israel
President Joseph Aoun has admitted that the framework agreement with Israel is facing “difficulties,” but stressed that Lebanon does not want to backtrack on it.
“Instead, we aim to strengthen this framework and achieve a breakthrough on several issues, such as the captives' file, the border, the pilot zones, and the ceasefire,” Aoun told a delegation from the American Task Force on Lebanon.
“We are counting on the United States, the sponsor of this agreement, which is serious, committed, and doing its utmost. It has been extremely supportive and helpful,” the president added.
Aoun also indicated that Lebanon is awaiting a new round of negotiations "to see how we can move forward." He said, "We took this initiative and we are committed to it because, as I said before, we are faced with two options: war or diplomacy. There is no third option, and I emphasize that war will not lead to any result. Therefore, the time has come, and this situation can only be addressed through diplomacy."
“The Lebanese Army is highly trained, professional, and committed, but it needs the necessary resources and capabilities to carry out its duties,” the president added.
In response to a question, he reiterated that Lebanon would continue the negotiations, saying: “Unfortunately, as I have said many times, Israel is not waging this war intelligently. It is thinking tactically but neglecting the strategic level. As President Trump said, you don’t have to destroy an entire building to kill just one person.”
“Massive destruction, a large-scale military response, and the killing of innocent people are not helpful. They don’t help us, and they don’t help the United States. The Israelis believe that by using force, or sheer military force, they will be able to achieve their goals, but they never will,” Aoun emphasized.
Regarding relations with Iran, he reaffirmed the necessity of establishing a relationship between states, based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.
Aoun concluded the meeting by emphasizing that Lebanon is very important to the United States and its interests, and that stability in the region cannot be achieved without stability in Lebanon and support for the Lebanese Army.
Source: Naharnet
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