Beirut – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called on European Union member states to support the implementation of the “Framework Formula” regarding security arrangements with Israel, asserting that maintaining the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) remains the optimal approach for preserving regional stability and backing the Lebanese Armed Forces in the south.
Preserving UNIFIL’s Mandate and Military Support
Speaking during a meeting with the EU Ambassador to Lebanon and her accompanying delegation at Baabda Palace, Aoun highlighted UNIFIL’s present role as essential. He noted that should UNIFIL’s mandate face obstacles, an alternative multinational force should be established to assist the Lebanese Army in clearing unexploded ordnance and overseeing the framework agreement’s enforcement.
Aoun emphasized that Lebanon’s security directly influences broader Middle Eastern stability, stating that the time has come to definitively end hostilities and construct an environment conducive to economic recovery and investment.
Talks with Trump and Israeli Withdrawal Strategy
Addressing foreign relations, President Aoun described his recent discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump as productive. The talks covered operational mechanisms for the framework agreement, plans for Israeli troop withdrawals, and the subsequent deployment of the Lebanese Army across designated model zones. He urged the European Union to help prevent potential delays in executing the deal.
Structural Economic Reforms and Digital Governance
Domestically, Aoun reiterated the government’s firm commitment to enacting comprehensive economic, judicial, and financial reforms, calling them a vital national priority. He stressed the importance of advancing e-government solutions as a core tool to combat corruption and modernize public administration.
The EU Ambassador affirmed that Lebanon is embarking on a pivotal phase, reiterating European commitment to helping Lebanon solidify its security, strengthen state institutions, and rebuild its economic base.
President Aoun’s diplomatic outreach underscores Lebanon’s strategy to secure European endorsement for border security arrangements, anchoring south Lebanon’s stability to broader international peacekeeping efforts and economic recovery.
