President of the Republic Joseph Aoun told Deputy Secretary-General for Peace, Security and Defence of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Charles Fries, during his meeting with him at Baabda Palace, that "Lebanon welcomes any support provided by the European Union to strengthen the Lebanese army and security forces to enhance their role in maintaining security and stability throughout Lebanese territory."
The meeting took place in the presence of EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele.
President Aoun expressed his gratitude for what the European Union has provided to Lebanon in various fields.
The President also called on friendly countries, especially the European Union countries, to pressure Israel to withdraw from the areas it occupies, cease its daily attacks, and return Lebanese prisoners, in order to ensure Lebanon's stability and the implementation of the army’s plan to confine weapons to the authority of the state.
In response to a question, President Aoun affirmed that "the Lebanese government is proceeding with the necessary reforms in the financial and economic fields. These reforms are a Lebanese demand before being an external demand. We are on the right path and we welcome European partnership in all areas."
The President also urged the EU envoy to "intensify assistance to various Lebanese sectors, in addition to the EU's participation in monitoring the parliamentary elections scheduled for next May."
The discussion also addressed Lebanese-Syrian relations, with President Aoun affirming that they are "evolving for the better, and coordination is ongoing between Lebanese and Syrian authorities to address all issues of mutual concern, foremost among which is the issue of displaced Syrians.”
Fries, in turn, stressed to President Aoun the European Union's "readiness to continue providing assistance to Lebanon in various fields," noting the "European countries' satisfaction with the existing cooperation with Lebanon."
The meeting took place in the presence of EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele.
President Aoun expressed his gratitude for what the European Union has provided to Lebanon in various fields.
The President also called on friendly countries, especially the European Union countries, to pressure Israel to withdraw from the areas it occupies, cease its daily attacks, and return Lebanese prisoners, in order to ensure Lebanon's stability and the implementation of the army’s plan to confine weapons to the authority of the state.
In response to a question, President Aoun affirmed that "the Lebanese government is proceeding with the necessary reforms in the financial and economic fields. These reforms are a Lebanese demand before being an external demand. We are on the right path and we welcome European partnership in all areas."
The President also urged the EU envoy to "intensify assistance to various Lebanese sectors, in addition to the EU's participation in monitoring the parliamentary elections scheduled for next May."
The discussion also addressed Lebanese-Syrian relations, with President Aoun affirming that they are "evolving for the better, and coordination is ongoing between Lebanese and Syrian authorities to address all issues of mutual concern, foremost among which is the issue of displaced Syrians.”
Fries, in turn, stressed to President Aoun the European Union's "readiness to continue providing assistance to Lebanon in various fields," noting the "European countries' satisfaction with the existing cooperation with Lebanon."
