Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed on Thursday his country’s commitment to diplomatic and negotiated solutions to address conflicts, stressing the need to halt Israeli aggression on Lebanese territory and adhere to the understandings reached.
The Lebanese National News Agency quoted Aoun as saying during his meeting with German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Rima Al-Ablawi Radovan that Lebanon is making continuous efforts to maintain its internal stability and the cohesion of its institutions amid surrounding tensions. He pointed out that wars have not achieved their intended goals and that lasting stability cannot be achieved by military force alone.
In the same context, Aoun stressed during the meeting the necessity of halting Israeli aggression on southern Lebanon, noting that the continuation of military operations and targeting civilian areas and infrastructure exacerbates the suffering of the population and undermines efforts to achieve stability. He noted that Lebanon has raised four key files in communications and negotiations: a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, border demarcation, and the prisoners file, but the required progress has not yet been achieved.
For his part, Aoun affirmed that the Lebanese state and its army are ready to address any security files through official mechanisms and established coordination, calling for enhanced European support for the Lebanese Army due to the significant responsibilities it bears in maintaining security, combating terrorism, drug trafficking, and border control. He considered that supporting the Lebanese army and security institutions constitutes a direct investment in the stability of Lebanon and the region, with positive repercussions on European security as well.
President Aoun and Minister Radovan discussed the repercussions of regional crises and the burden of displacement on Lebanon, expressing his hope for Germany’s contribution to reconstruction efforts within a framework led by the World Bank. For her part, the German minister affirmed that her visit reflects the solidarity of the German government and its support for Lebanon, emphasizing her country’s commitment to keeping pace with reform and development efforts.
She noted that the German government is following developments in Lebanon and perceives progress in the reform process despite exceptional challenges, reaffirming Germany’s readiness to continue supporting Lebanon and its institutions and to work on new cooperation projects. President Aoun had previously affirmed on October 23 his country’s commitment to international legitimacy and the principles of the UN Charter, and its desire to continue cooperation with the United Nations in facing common challenges.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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