President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun, during his meeting with Chief of Staff of the Italian Armed Forces General Luciano Portolano:
Stability will not return to the south as long as Israel continues to occupy territory there. The only solution lies in the Lebanese Army redeploying all the way to the internationally recognized borders, thereby becoming the sole authority responsible for the security of the area and the safety of its residents, without partnership from any other party.
I hope that the meeting in Washington this evening will mark the beginning of ending the suffering of the Lebanese in general, and of the people of the south in particular.
He condemned attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is called upon to play an important role in the post-ceasefire phase in cooperation with the Lebanese Army, which enjoys the support and affection of the people of the south because they see in it hope and reassurance.
We welcome Italy’s desire to keep units of its forces in southern Lebanon after the deadline for UNIFIL’s withdrawal is completed at the end of 2027, provided that an agreement is reached at that time on the framework that will govern the continued presence of these forces and those of other countries participating in UNIFIL, which have informed Lebanon of their intention to continue assisting the Lebanese Army in maintaining stability in the south.
