Beirut, Lebanon – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun affirmed that his country will accept nothing less than the complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from southern Lebanon.
He also stressed the necessity of ending all forms of foreign interference.
Furthermore, he emphasized that restoring national rights and achieving
the state’s highest interests require adherence to full sovereignty and national independence.
Negotiation is a strategic option
The Lebanese president explained that negotiation is the only internationally
recognized method for achieving national goals and restoring rights.
He asserted that political and diplomatic solutions constitute the most effective way to address outstanding issues and end conflicts.
He pointed out that adopting dialogue and negotiation does not mean relinquishing rights.
Rather, it reflects the state’s commitment to legitimate means
that guarantee sustainable outcomes and enjoy the support of the international community.
Affirmation of national sovereignty
The Lebanese president stressed that Lebanon adheres to its full rights and rejects
any foreign interference or tutelage that infringes upon its independent national decision-making.
He affirmed that the Lebanese state alone has the right to determine its political
and diplomatic course in a way that serves the interests of the Lebanese people.
He added that achieving lasting stability requires ending all factors that affect the state’s sovereignty,
whether related to occupation or any foreign pressures and interventions.
Developments that reinforce the option of dialogue
The Lebanese president believes that recent regional developments have
proven the wisdom of pursuing negotiations to address contentious issues.
He emphasized that the negotiating track offers greater opportunities to reach solutions that safeguard rights
and prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.
These statements come at a time of ongoing diplomatic activity and negotiations
in the region concerning a number of security and political issues.
Meanwhile, international efforts are underway to bolster stability and enhance the prospects for peaceful settlements in the region.
