Lebanon's President, Joseph Aoun, stated in an exclusive interview that his country seeks to achieve a security agreement with Israel, provided that the country withdraws from southern Lebanon. Aoun also emphasized that Lebanon is determined to disarm Hezbollah, but this must be done without resorting to conflict.
The Need for a New Force to Prevent Security Vacuum
Aoun, before his trip to France, further stated that Lebanon needs a new force, whether European or non-European, to prevent a security vacuum after the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces from southern Lebanon. These forces must temporarily remain in the region after the end of their mission at the end of this year.
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He called on the United States, the European Union, and Arab countries to support the Lebanese army during its deployment in the south. In Paris, Aoun will participate in a meeting hosted by Emmanuel Macron and attended by Abdullah II, King of Jordan, to strengthen international support for the Lebanese army.
Emphasis on Negotiations Instead of War
The President of Lebanon also noted that any security agreement with Israel should lead to the end of hostilities and the deployment of the Lebanese army at the borders. He pointed out that this agreement could be a precursor to a future peace agreement, but one cannot directly reach peace.
Aoun stated: "We have no choice but negotiations, as the other option is war, which would be very costly for us." He also emphasized that Arab and European partners, along with the United States and Lebanon's friends, must take responsibility for supporting the army and strengthening the Lebanese government.
Ultimately, Aoun stressed that Lebanon is determined to disarm Hezbollah and that this decision is "non-negotiable and non-debatable." However, he emphasized that the aim of this action is not conflict: "We are determined to resolve this issue peacefully."
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