President Joseph Aoun affirmed that a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, which Lebanon is calling for, would serve as the natural entry point for direct negotiations between the two countries, in line with his proposed negotiating initiative.
During his meeting with UK Minister of State for the Middle East Hamish Nicholas Falconer, Aoun said Lebanon is committed to de-escalation in the south and across all Lebanese regions, in order to halt attacks on civilians, including women, men, and children, and to stop the destruction of homes in villages and towns.
The president stressed that negotiations are conducted solely by the Lebanese authorities, as this is a sovereign matter in which no other party can be involved.
He added that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory is a key step toward consolidating the ceasefire, enabling the Lebanese Army to redeploy up to the international borders, fully extending state authority, and ending all armed manifestations.
Aoun further stated that government decisions, particularly those related to the exclusivity of arms, will be implemented in the interest of Lebanon, in order to ensure the protection of all Lebanese citizens who aspire to see their state solely responsible for maintaining security, stability, and public safety.
The British minister, in turn, conveyed his country’s support for Aoun’s efforts to secure a ceasefire and launch a negotiation process that achieves the objectives outlined in his initiative. He also reaffirmed Britain’s backing for Lebanese government decisions and announced £20.5 million in humanitarian assistance to support Lebanon’s efforts in assisting displaced persons.
During his meeting with UK Minister of State for the Middle East Hamish Nicholas Falconer, Aoun said Lebanon is committed to de-escalation in the south and across all Lebanese regions, in order to halt attacks on civilians, including women, men, and children, and to stop the destruction of homes in villages and towns.
The president stressed that negotiations are conducted solely by the Lebanese authorities, as this is a sovereign matter in which no other party can be involved.
He added that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory is a key step toward consolidating the ceasefire, enabling the Lebanese Army to redeploy up to the international borders, fully extending state authority, and ending all armed manifestations.
Aoun further stated that government decisions, particularly those related to the exclusivity of arms, will be implemented in the interest of Lebanon, in order to ensure the protection of all Lebanese citizens who aspire to see their state solely responsible for maintaining security, stability, and public safety.
The British minister, in turn, conveyed his country’s support for Aoun’s efforts to secure a ceasefire and launch a negotiation process that achieves the objectives outlined in his initiative. He also reaffirmed Britain’s backing for Lebanese government decisions and announced £20.5 million in humanitarian assistance to support Lebanon’s efforts in assisting displaced persons.
