Aoun Meets UN Chief Guterres, Addresses Lebanese Security and UNIFIL
9/23/2025 9:28:00 PM
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York, in the Secretary-General’s office on the 27th floor. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, Lebanon’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ahmad Arafa, presidential advisors Brigadier General Andreh Rahal and Jean Aziz, and the Director of Media at the Presidency, Rafik Chelala.
At the start of the meeting, Guterres welcomed President Aoun, reaffirming the UN’s support for the Lebanese Army in fulfilling its responsibilities. He praised the government’s efforts to strengthen state authority, maintain the monopoly of arms under the Lebanese Armed Forces, and acknowledged the difficulties Lebanon has faced. “The international community recognizes that President Aoun is working for the good of Lebanon and to secure a safe and stable future,” he added.
Guterres also addressed the situation in Syria, noting recent developments and emphasizing efforts to provide assistance to returning Syrian refugees. He discussed the one-year extension of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, coordinated with the Lebanese Army to ensure continued stability, and expressed solidarity with Lebanon during challenging times.
President Aoun thanked the UN chief for his ongoing support, particularly regarding the renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate, stressing the importance of the mission in maintaining peace until the Lebanese Army can secure full control of the country following Israel’s withdrawal.
The president briefed Guterres on government efforts to rebuild Lebanon and enforce the state’s monopoly on weapons. He highlighted Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, including the Bint Jbeil massacre, and criticized Israel’s disregard for the November 27, 2024 ceasefire declaration and UN resolutions, including Resolution 1701.
Aoun stressed that these hostile actions hinder the implementation of Lebanese decisions, army deployment, and reconstruction efforts, despite government reforms and the army’s ongoing operations. He reaffirmed Lebanon’s readiness to preserve its security, stability, and sovereignty, calling for Israel’s withdrawal and compliance with prior agreements.
The president questioned Israel’s continued presence in certain southern positions, noting that modern technology allows for precise monitoring without human deployment. He emphasized that the Lebanese people are weary of war and aspire to live in peace.
Finally, Aoun highlighted improved relations with Syria, pointing to high-level coordination, particularly on security matters and border management to prevent smuggling of people, weapons, and drugs.
At the start of the meeting, Guterres welcomed President Aoun, reaffirming the UN’s support for the Lebanese Army in fulfilling its responsibilities. He praised the government’s efforts to strengthen state authority, maintain the monopoly of arms under the Lebanese Armed Forces, and acknowledged the difficulties Lebanon has faced. “The international community recognizes that President Aoun is working for the good of Lebanon and to secure a safe and stable future,” he added.
Guterres also addressed the situation in Syria, noting recent developments and emphasizing efforts to provide assistance to returning Syrian refugees. He discussed the one-year extension of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, coordinated with the Lebanese Army to ensure continued stability, and expressed solidarity with Lebanon during challenging times.
President Aoun thanked the UN chief for his ongoing support, particularly regarding the renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate, stressing the importance of the mission in maintaining peace until the Lebanese Army can secure full control of the country following Israel’s withdrawal.
The president briefed Guterres on government efforts to rebuild Lebanon and enforce the state’s monopoly on weapons. He highlighted Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, including the Bint Jbeil massacre, and criticized Israel’s disregard for the November 27, 2024 ceasefire declaration and UN resolutions, including Resolution 1701.
Aoun stressed that these hostile actions hinder the implementation of Lebanese decisions, army deployment, and reconstruction efforts, despite government reforms and the army’s ongoing operations. He reaffirmed Lebanon’s readiness to preserve its security, stability, and sovereignty, calling for Israel’s withdrawal and compliance with prior agreements.
The president questioned Israel’s continued presence in certain southern positions, noting that modern technology allows for precise monitoring without human deployment. He emphasized that the Lebanese people are weary of war and aspire to live in peace.
Finally, Aoun highlighted improved relations with Syria, pointing to high-level coordination, particularly on security matters and border management to prevent smuggling of people, weapons, and drugs.