Lebanon's President, Joseph Aoun, stated in an exclusive interview that Lebanon is seeking a security agreement with Israel that could serve as a prelude to peace, and he also emphasized his determination to disarm Hezbollah without conflict.
Security Agreement and Lebanon's Future
On the eve of his trip to France, Aoun said 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. This force must exit Lebanon by the end of this year after the completion of its mission.
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The President of Lebanon called on the United States, the European Union, and Arab countries to support the Lebanese Army as it deploys throughout the country. Under Aoun's leadership, Lebanon is committed to disarming Hezbollah, which has fueled attacks on Israel and conflicts in the Middle East.
The Necessity of Negotiations and Peace
Aoun emphasized that "we have no option but negotiations, as the alternative is war, which would be very costly for us," stating that his goal for a security agreement with Israel is to "end the state of hostility and establish the army at the border." He noted that this agreement could be a precursor to a future peace agreement, but one cannot directly reach a peace agreement.
Aoun also mentioned regarding Hezbollah that "our goal is not confrontation" and insisted that this issue must be resolved peacefully. He said, "This issue does not mean building a state at the cost of a bloody conflict or a new civil war."
Furthermore, Aoun emphasized that Lebanon's relations with Iran should be based on mutual respect and non-interference in Lebanon's internal affairs. He also called on the international community to assist in extending the mission of peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon, stating, "The best and most optimal option remains the extension of UNIFIL's mission."
In conclusion, the President of Lebanon referred to the upcoming Israeli elections, stating that this is an internal matter. He urged the people of Israel to think about stability, security, and the absence of wars at their borders.
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