President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, called on the United States to pressure ‘Israel’ to withdraw from the territories it occupies in the south, so that the Lebanese army can complete its deployment to the international border.
The President’s remarks came during his meeting this afternoon at Baabda Palace with the US Central Command Chief, Admiral Brad Cooper, in the presence of US Ambassador to Beirut, Lisa Johnson.
Aoun requested the activation of the Cessation of Hostilities Supervision Committee (MECHANISM) to ensure the implementation of what was agreed upon last November in terms of halting Israeli attacks on Lebanon, withdrawing from the hills and lands it occupies, and returning the prisoners, in full execution of Resolution 1701. He emphasized that these steps facilitate the implementation of the Lebanese government’s decision on the exclusive possession of weapons by the Lebanese Armed Forces, following the Council of Ministers welcoming of the military plan drawn up by the Army Command for this purpose.
During the meeting, which was also attended by the head of the Mechanism Committee General Michael Lenny, President Aoun indicated that the continued Israeli attacks on the south would hinder the completion of the Lebanese army’s deployment to the border, after the army had completed its deployment in more than 85 percent of the area south of the Litani, and continues to prevent armed manifestations and confiscate weapons and ammunition. Aoun noted that the difficult geographical and operational conditions have so far led to the martyrdom of 12 officers and soldiers as they were transporting ammunition or dismantling mines or carrying out other missions.
“The army also began receiving Palestinian weapons from a number of Palestinian camps, under an agreement reached during Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ visit to Lebanon,” revealed Aoun.
The President stressed to Admiral Cooper the importance of the United States’ continued support to the Lebanese Army, providing it with the necessary equipment and machinery to carry out the tasks assigned to across Lebanon’s territory, whether in maintaining security, preventing smuggling and terrorist acts, controlling the Lebanese-Syrian border, or other tasks carried out by military personnel operating under difficult economic conditions.
Additionally, President Aoun pointed to the ongoing coordination between the army and the international peacekeeping forces operating in the south (UNIFIL), stressing that “American support to the Lebanese army enhances stability in the country”, which has witnessed positive progress in various fields in recent months in line with the reforms initiated by the government. “This also coincides with the importance of working to rebuild Lebanon, especially as friendly countries are expressing a genuine willingness to contribute to this effort once hostilities cease and stability returns to the country,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, President Aoun wished Admiral Cooper success in his new mission, urging him to prioritize the situation in Lebanon, as its stability is a key factor in achieving stability in the region.
In turn, Admiral Cooper expressed his contentment to be in Lebanon, commending the distinguished work carried out by the Lebanese Army deployed in the south and throughout Lebanese territory. He also affirmed the United States’ continued provision of necessary assistance in various fields, particularly support for the army with equipment and training, in coordination between the US administration and Congress.
He also pointed out that the Mechanism Committee will hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss the current situation in the south and work to consolidate stability there by completing the implementation of the contents of last November’s agreement.
Source: NNA
