Aoun: The time has come for the army to return, assume its full duties, and be the sole authority responsible for security in the south
President Joseph Aoun said before a delegation from Marjeyoun, Qlayaa, Deir Mimas, Burj al-Muluk, Ibl al-Saqi, and Kawkaba:
When the south is weary, the whole of Lebanon feels it. The time has come for the south to find rest, and with it all of Lebanon.
I remain committed to efforts aimed at ending the state of war from which everyone has suffered, so that peace may prevail permanently, not merely on a temporary basis.
I stand by my people in the south, and I value their steadfastness despite the current difficult circumstances, as well as their attachment to their land and property.
What I am doing is in the interest of all Lebanese, not just one group among them, and the path of negotiations is the only one left after other solutions, including war, have been exhausted.
I appreciate your support for the army. The Lebanese have suffered greatly when the army was absent from the south, and the time has come for it to return and fully assume its duties, and to be the only body responsible for security in the south. Everyone must rally around it and the security forces, otherwise the loss will affect everyone.
Those who seek to stir sectarian and denominational strife will not succeed, because civil peace is a red line. There is sufficient awareness among the people and the majority of officials, and anyone who acts otherwise is offering Israel a free gift.
Hatred does not build states and homelands, and we have no choice but to live together.
