Aoun: The State Alone Negotiates and We Reject Any Alternative… Lebanon Must Be Part of a Ceasefire Agreement

At the outset of the Cabinet session, President General Joseph Aoun stressed Lebanon’s firm stance on sovereignty and the necessity of being included in any ceasefire framework.

“We are tired of statements of condemnation. We had all hoped that the ceasefire would include Lebanon, but unfortunately you have heard the statements issued in this regard.

Through the contacts that the Prime Minister and I are conducting with a number of Lebanon’s friends around the world, we are calling for giving Lebanon the same opportunity granted to the United States and Iran to reach a ceasefire and move toward negotiations, and to exert pressure so that Lebanon becomes part of the ceasefire agreement in order to proceed with negotiations.”

He added:

“The second fundamental point is that we are a state with its own entity and existence. The state alone negotiates, and we do not accept anyone else negotiating on our behalf. We have the capability and the means to negotiate, and therefore we do not want anyone to negotiate for us. This is something we do not accept.”

Following the Israeli attack yesterday, Aoun praised the unified efforts of various ministries in addressing its aftermath:

“In the wake of yesterday’s Israeli aggression, we can only highly commend the solidarity of the different ministries and their joint efforts in containing the consequences of this aggression. It is a tremendous effort to alleviate the suffering of our people in all fields, whether in medical care, evacuation, rescue operations, or debris removal, particularly by the Ministries of Health, Social Affairs, Public Works, National Defense with the Army, and Interior with the security forces, alongside the fire brigade, civil defense, and the Red Cross. Some have even fallen as martyrs while carrying out their duties, in addition to international organizations and Lebanon’s friends who stand by our side to ease this suffering.”
After the Cabinet session at Baabda Palace, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam spoke to reporters, noting two decisions taken during the meeting:

First decision:

“To file an urgent complaint with the United Nations Security Council regarding the escalating Israeli attacks on Lebanon, particularly their expansion yesterday, Wednesday, April 8, especially in the capital Beirut, which resulted in a large number of civilian casualties. This dangerous escalation comes in defiance of all international and regional efforts to end the war in the region and blatantly violates the principles of international law and international humanitarian law.”

Second decision:

“Based on the National Accord Document known as the Taif Agreement, and relevant Cabinet decisions, and in order to preserve the safety, security, and property of citizens, the Lebanese Army and security forces are requested to immediately begin reinforcing full state control over Beirut Governorate, confining weapons exclusively to legitimate forces, strictly enforcing the laws, taking all necessary measures against violators, and referring them to the competent judiciary.”