Lebanese President Joseph Aoun informed the French President’s diplomatic advisor, Anne-Claire Legendre, during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, that “what prevents the Lebanese army from completing its deployment in the area south of the Litani River up to the international border is the continued Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory and the continuation of hostile acts, as well as the non-implementation of the agreement announced in November 2024.”
He added that “despite this, the Lebanese army continues its work in the areas where it has deployed south of the Litani, particularly in terms of confiscating arms and ammunition, uncovering tunnels and warehouses, and extending state authority, in implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the security plan drawn up by the army command at the request of the Lebanese government.”
President Aoun emphasized that “the Lebanese army is implementing its instructions precisely, contrary to what Israel is spreading in campaigns aimed at undermining its capabilities and role, which enjoys the support of all Lebanese who appreciate the efforts of the army units to provide protection to citizens in the south and ensure public safety.”
He also stressed the need for the army to be provided with the necessary equipment and military machinery, which should be made available through the conference to support the Lebanese army and armed forces, which French President Emmanuel Macron is working to hold in coordination with the United States and Saudi Arabia.
President Aoun expressed his surprise at some countries adopting what Israel is promoting about Lebanon’s failure to implement its commitments under the November 2024 agreement, while ignoring the continued Israeli aggression and violations of the will of the international community.
He emphasized the importance of enhancing the trust between the army and the residents of the villages and towns south of the Litani, which will be solely responsible for security tasks in the area after the withdrawal of international forces starting from 2026.
President Aoun welcomed any European participation in maintaining stability after the withdrawal of UNIFIL, in coordination with the army, which will increase its numbers to 10,000 soldiers by the end of this year.
He also stressed that the army’s tasks are not limited to deployment in the area south of the Litani, but also include other security tasks throughout the country, such as border protection, counter-terrorism, and maintaining civil peace.
In response to Legendre’s questions, President Aoun confirmed that the option of negotiation, which he announced weeks ago, is capable of restoring stability to the southern region and all of Lebanon, as continued aggression will not lead to any result.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
