President of the Republic Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to the continued presence of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for as long as needed to fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and complete the deployment of the Lebanese Army along the international border.
In a meeting held at Baabda Palace with UNIFIL Force Commander General Diodato Abagnara, accompanied by his political advisor Hervé Lecoq, President Aoun stated that Lebanon had begun diplomatic engagements with member states of the UN Security Council, as well as friendly and brotherly nations, to secure the mission’s renewal.
Aoun then underscored Lebanon’s need for UNIFIL, not only to maintain stability in the South but also to support the redeployment of the Lebanese Army, following a government decision to increase its troop presence in the region to 10,000.
Moreover, the President warned that imposing a timeline on UNIFIL’s mandate would contradict Lebanon’s actual needs and could negatively impact security in the South, where Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory persists.
President Aoun further praised the coordination between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL, especially highlighting the peacekeepers’ strong relationship with local communities, and their ongoing health, educational, and social support efforts.
Following a meeting with the President, Chair of the Public Works and Transport Committee, MP Sajih Attieh, described the session as “productive, effective, and filled with optimism.” He praised President Aoun’s wisdom and national approach to major issues, including the situation in South Lebanon and recent US proposals.
Attieh said that the President expressed confidence in the Army’s readiness to address threats and highlighted its international relationships as a key safeguard for Lebanon. The discussion also addressed national development and economic reforms, with President Aoun emphasizing his continued focus on anti-corruption measures, including legislative action to combat financial bribery.
The MP also noted they reviewed regional development concerns, especially for Akkar, such as the Lebanese University, the proposed military hospital in the North, and airport-related matters. He confirmed that President Aoun remains committed to the promises made in his oath of office and maintains full cooperation with Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
President Aoun also received MP Adib Abdel Massih, who expressed full support for the President’s national positions, particularly regarding exclusive state control over arms and recent Cabinet decisions on the matter.
Abdel Massih commended the President’s steadfastness in defending state sovereignty and his role in preventing internal discord. Their meeting also addressed regional development for Koura, the need for financial and administrative reform, and the progress on the “financial gap law” under government review.
The MP also praised recent judicial and security appointments and urged the completion of all pending civil service appointments to ensure proper administrative function. Discussions included addressing injustices faced by certain State Security officers.
In a farewell visit marking the end of his diplomatic tenure, and coinciding with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Uruguay, Ambassador Carlos Guito met with President Aoun at Baabda.
President Aoun thanked the ambassador for his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and wished him success in his future endeavors. As a commemorative gesture, Ambassador Guito presented a historic photograph taken at the Presidential Palace in Uruguay showing the launch of diplomatic ties eight decades ago, featuring the then-President of Uruguay alongside ministers and members of the Lebanese diaspora.
In a meeting held at Baabda Palace with UNIFIL Force Commander General Diodato Abagnara, accompanied by his political advisor Hervé Lecoq, President Aoun stated that Lebanon had begun diplomatic engagements with member states of the UN Security Council, as well as friendly and brotherly nations, to secure the mission’s renewal.
Aoun then underscored Lebanon’s need for UNIFIL, not only to maintain stability in the South but also to support the redeployment of the Lebanese Army, following a government decision to increase its troop presence in the region to 10,000.
Moreover, the President warned that imposing a timeline on UNIFIL’s mandate would contradict Lebanon’s actual needs and could negatively impact security in the South, where Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory persists.
President Aoun further praised the coordination between the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL, especially highlighting the peacekeepers’ strong relationship with local communities, and their ongoing health, educational, and social support efforts.
Following a meeting with the President, Chair of the Public Works and Transport Committee, MP Sajih Attieh, described the session as “productive, effective, and filled with optimism.” He praised President Aoun’s wisdom and national approach to major issues, including the situation in South Lebanon and recent US proposals.
Attieh said that the President expressed confidence in the Army’s readiness to address threats and highlighted its international relationships as a key safeguard for Lebanon. The discussion also addressed national development and economic reforms, with President Aoun emphasizing his continued focus on anti-corruption measures, including legislative action to combat financial bribery.
The MP also noted they reviewed regional development concerns, especially for Akkar, such as the Lebanese University, the proposed military hospital in the North, and airport-related matters. He confirmed that President Aoun remains committed to the promises made in his oath of office and maintains full cooperation with Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
President Aoun also received MP Adib Abdel Massih, who expressed full support for the President’s national positions, particularly regarding exclusive state control over arms and recent Cabinet decisions on the matter.
Abdel Massih commended the President’s steadfastness in defending state sovereignty and his role in preventing internal discord. Their meeting also addressed regional development for Koura, the need for financial and administrative reform, and the progress on the “financial gap law” under government review.
The MP also praised recent judicial and security appointments and urged the completion of all pending civil service appointments to ensure proper administrative function. Discussions included addressing injustices faced by certain State Security officers.
In a farewell visit marking the end of his diplomatic tenure, and coinciding with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Uruguay, Ambassador Carlos Guito met with President Aoun at Baabda.
President Aoun thanked the ambassador for his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and wished him success in his future endeavors. As a commemorative gesture, Ambassador Guito presented a historic photograph taken at the Presidential Palace in Uruguay showing the launch of diplomatic ties eight decades ago, featuring the then-President of Uruguay alongside ministers and members of the Lebanese diaspora.
