President Joseph Aoun affirmed Lebanon’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the European Union, telling EU Special Representative for Human Rights Kasja Ollongren—during a meeting at Baabda Palace this morning attended by EU Ambassador Sandra de Waele—that Lebanon “welcomes any support the European Union can provide across all sectors, especially as UNIFIL prepares to withdraw in 2027.”
The president stressed that an EU presence in the south would “positively support the Lebanese Army’s ongoing deployment south of the Litani River to the international border” and help oversee arrangements related to “the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory.”
Lebanon’s president noted that nearly a full year has passed since the announcement of the cessation-of-hostilities agreement, “which Lebanon has fully upheld,” while the Israeli enemy “continues to violate the accord and expand its aggression beyond southern villages.” He condemned the Israeli enemy’s refusal to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, pointing to its attacks on residential buildings, civilian state facilities, and its construction of a border wall beyond the Blue Line—“violations confirmed in UN reports.”
الرئيس جوزاف عون استقبل الممثلة الخاصة للاتحاد الأوروبي لحقوق الانسان:
– لبنان يرحب بأي دعم يقدمه الاتحاد لا سيما بعد انسحاب “اليونيفيل” خلال العام 2027.
– لممارسة المجتمع الدولي لاسيما الاتحاد الأوروبي الضغط على إسرائيل لارغامها على وقف اعتداءاتها على لبنان والتزام اتفاق انهاء… pic.twitter.com/ffHUl8fc5u— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) November 21, 2025
President Aoun called on the international community, particularly the European Union, to exert pressure on the Israeli occupation “to end its assaults on Lebanon and comply with the cessation of hostilities.”
In response to a question, he reiterated that “Lebanon remains committed to the government’s decision on the exclusivity of arms.”
On reforms, the president emphasized that “these measures are first and foremost a Lebanese priority,” noting that the government, in coordination with Parliament, has completed several reforms and continues work on others, particularly in the financial and economic sectors.
He reaffirmed his “clear position” on holding parliamentary elections on schedule, thanking the EU for its decision to deploy an observation mission, as it has done in previous electoral cycles. He also expressed appreciation for the ongoing support provided by EU countries—collectively and individually—to the Lebanese Army, stressing that it serves European interests as well.
Ollongren conveyed the EU’s “satisfaction with the achievements made since the beginning of President Aoun’s term,” reaffirming that the EU will continue supporting Lebanon across development, social, and educational sectors.
Independence Day Greetings
Separately, President Aoun received congratulatory messages from several heads of state on the 82nd anniversary of Lebanon’s independence.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI reaffirmed his country’s steadfast support for Lebanon and its people, extending “warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Lebanese people for greater development and prosperity in an environment of security and stability.” He praised the “bonds of genuine brotherhood and effective solidarity” between the two nations and expressed hope for deeper bilateral cooperation.
Congratulatory messages also arrived from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn, and Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
Source: Al-Manar Website
