Lebanese President Aoun Calls for Negotiation to Enhance Stability in Southern Lebanon
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met today, Thursday, with Anne-Claire Legendre, a political advisor to the French President, to discuss the current situation in Southern Lebanon and the potential for stability in the region.
During their meeting, President Aoun stated that the ongoing Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory and continued hostilities are hindering the Lebanese army's ability to fully deploy in the area south of the Litani River to the international borders. He referenced a previous agreement from November 2024 that has not been implemented.
In response to negative media portrayals of the army, Aoun asserted that the Lebanese army is fulfilling its duties effectively, countering claims that undermine its capabilities. He noted that 12 soldiers have lost their lives during operations, emphasizing that allegations of the army's shortcomings are unfounded.
Aoun highlighted the need for more than just moral support for the army, calling for military equipment and vehicles. He proposed a conference to support the Lebanese armed forces, which he noted the French President is working to organize in collaboration with the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, Aoun discussed the necessity of a reconstruction conference to aid residents of Southern Lebanon whose homes have been destroyed, expressing concern that some nations are echoing Israeli narratives regarding Lebanon's failure to meet its commitments under the November 2024 agreement, while overlooking ongoing Israeli violations.
In response, Legendre affirmed France's commitment to fostering stability in Southern Lebanon and emphasized the importance of activating mechanisms that align with Lebanese interests.
President Aoun also welcomed any European involvement in maintaining stability following the withdrawal of UNIFIL, noting that the Lebanese army's personnel will increase to 10,000 soldiers by the end of this year.
