Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has reaffirmed his commitment to the negotiation track as a means to address outstanding issues and restore Lebanon’s rights through diplomatic channels, while stressing the importance of keeping Lebanon’s file on the United States’ agenda and securing international support for stability and sovereignty.
Aoun: I Will Not Abandon the Negotiation Track
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said he will not retreat from the path of negotiations, noting that the process remains challenging due to Israeli calculations and the repercussions of tensions between Iran and the United States.
Aoun said the proposed framework could help restore Lebanon’s rights through diplomatic means if its provisions are respected.
He added that Lebanon currently has an opportunity to achieve gains that could compensate for losses suffered during previous conflicts, particularly amid American support for diplomatic efforts.
Lebanon Seeks to Keep Its Issue on the US Agenda
Aoun stressed that Beirut’s priority is to keep Lebanon’s situation present on the United States’ agenda and strengthen its position amid what he described as a highly difficult and complex situation.
He said Washington remains the only party capable of exerting pressure to prevent attacks on southern Beirut, Lebanese infrastructure, or further expansion of occupied areas in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese president emphasized that his country needs US support to help restore full control over its territory.
Lebanese Sovereignty Is Non-Negotiable
Aoun stressed that Lebanon’s sovereignty is not subject to compromise, emphasizing that the state seeks to restore full authority of the Lebanese Army and legitimate institutions over all Lebanese territory.
He also underlined that national decisions must be made through official state institutions, rejecting any attempt by other parties to negotiate or speak on behalf of Lebanon.
Negotiations Seen as an Option to Prevent Wider Escalation
The Lebanese president said the country was not in a position to choose ideal options amid fears of expanding conflict and a wider regional escalation.
He described direct negotiations as the only available option to shorten the period of occupation, facilitate the return of displaced people, and seek solutions through diplomatic channels.
Aoun stressed that the Lebanese state is responsible for every part of its territory and every citizen, highlighting the need for political solutions during the current circumstances.
Future Lebanese-Israeli Relations Remain Linked to Diplomatic Efforts
Regarding the possibility of holding a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Aoun considered the idea unlikely, while emphasizing that the Lebanese presidency remains open to official channels and dialogue frameworks.
Conclusion:
President Joseph Aoun’s statements reflect Lebanon’s continued reliance on diplomacy and negotiations to address political and security challenges, while highlighting the importance of US involvement in supporting stability and protecting Lebanese sovereignty amid ongoing regional tensions.
