Aoun: Lebanese no longer want war, arms issue to be approached calmly

President Joseph Aoun stressed Sunday that the Lebanese “no longer want war,” adding that the thorny issue of Hezbollah’s arms will be addressed in a calm and responsible manner.

“This issue cannot be approached through the media and social networking websites. It needs a responsible, calm and patriotic approach and it needs communication without provocation,” Aoun said in a response to a reporter’s question about the latest statements by top Hezbollah officials. He was speaking in Bkirki after taking part in Easter Sunday Mass and meeting with Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi.

“In this issue, the most important thing is the country’s higher interest,” the president added.

“When I mentioned arms in the inaugural speech, I was not talking to talk … I’m convinced that the Lebanese no longer want war, cannot bear it and cannot withstand the rhetoric of war,” Aoun went on to say.

“Our armed forces must be in charge of bearing weapons and we will implement the decision of limiting arms to the hands of the state,” the president said.

“The train of Lebanon’s rise has set off and no one will obstruct this start,” Aoun reassured.