Aoun meets German parliamentary delegation
2/6/2026 6:13:00 PM
President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, told the Chairman of the CDU–CSU Parliamentary Group in the German Bundestag, Jens Spahn, during a meeting this morning at Baabda Palace with the accompanying delegation and in the presence of German Ambassador to Lebanon Kurt Georg Stöckl-Stillfried, that Lebanon welcomes the continued presence of a German naval force within UNIFIL after the scheduled withdrawal of international forces from the south at the end of 2027. President Aoun affirmed that Lebanon is studying with the countries wishing to maintain a presence in the south the appropriate frameworks for this presence, noting that several options are currently under discussion and consultation between Lebanon and friendly states.
President Aoun briefed the German delegation on the situation in the south, noting Israel's failure to abide by the agreement announced in November 2024, its continued hostile actions against southern villages and towns, and the periodic expansion of shelling toward the Bekaa Valley. Aoun also noted Israel's failure to release detainees or withdraw from the hills and territories it continues to occupy.
President Aoun emphasized that ‘'the army has completed its deployment south of the Litani River, except in the occupied territories, eliminated all armed manifestations, and fully extended its authority. Since this deployment, no firing has been recorded from Lebanese territory, while Israel continues to deliberately destroy homes in border villages and spray toxic substances on property and crops.’' He also told the delegation that ‘.Israel has so far not responded to repeated calls to halt its aggressions, prompting Lebanon to once again urge the international community to pressure Israel to cease hostilities and comply with Resolution 1701."
President Aoun underlined the importance of providing urgent support in terms of equipment and supplies to the Lebanese Army to enable it to carry out its duties across all Lebanese territory, including maintaining security, preventing smuggling, combating drugs, protecting institutions, and controlling the borders. He also noted that Lebanon places great importance on the conference in support of the Army and Internal Security Forces, scheduled to be held in Paris on March 5, and on Germany’s participation in it."
In response to questions from members of the delegation, President Aoun affirmed that "the decision to restrict weapons to the state has been taken and is being implemented gradually, taking into account the protection of civil peace and the preservation of stability and security in the country, noting that "political contacts are part of the approved plan in parallel with the military plan devised by the army command."
President Aoun thanked the head and members of the German delegation for Germany’s support to Lebanon across various fields, noting that '‘Lebanon’s security is inseparable from the security of the region, and ultimately, that of Europe.’’
The head of the German delegation, in turn, briefed President Aoun on the purpose of his tour, affirming his country’s support for Lebanon and its determination to continue expanding cooperation across various fields, particularly its participation in the UNIFIL naval force. He also noted that Germany is keen to strengthen economic relations with Lebanon.
President Aoun briefed the German delegation on the situation in the south, noting Israel's failure to abide by the agreement announced in November 2024, its continued hostile actions against southern villages and towns, and the periodic expansion of shelling toward the Bekaa Valley. Aoun also noted Israel's failure to release detainees or withdraw from the hills and territories it continues to occupy.
President Aoun emphasized that ‘'the army has completed its deployment south of the Litani River, except in the occupied territories, eliminated all armed manifestations, and fully extended its authority. Since this deployment, no firing has been recorded from Lebanese territory, while Israel continues to deliberately destroy homes in border villages and spray toxic substances on property and crops.’' He also told the delegation that ‘.Israel has so far not responded to repeated calls to halt its aggressions, prompting Lebanon to once again urge the international community to pressure Israel to cease hostilities and comply with Resolution 1701."
President Aoun underlined the importance of providing urgent support in terms of equipment and supplies to the Lebanese Army to enable it to carry out its duties across all Lebanese territory, including maintaining security, preventing smuggling, combating drugs, protecting institutions, and controlling the borders. He also noted that Lebanon places great importance on the conference in support of the Army and Internal Security Forces, scheduled to be held in Paris on March 5, and on Germany’s participation in it."
In response to questions from members of the delegation, President Aoun affirmed that "the decision to restrict weapons to the state has been taken and is being implemented gradually, taking into account the protection of civil peace and the preservation of stability and security in the country, noting that "political contacts are part of the approved plan in parallel with the military plan devised by the army command."
President Aoun thanked the head and members of the German delegation for Germany’s support to Lebanon across various fields, noting that '‘Lebanon’s security is inseparable from the security of the region, and ultimately, that of Europe.’’
The head of the German delegation, in turn, briefed President Aoun on the purpose of his tour, affirming his country’s support for Lebanon and its determination to continue expanding cooperation across various fields, particularly its participation in the UNIFIL naval force. He also noted that Germany is keen to strengthen economic relations with Lebanon.