Joseph Aoun from Bkerke: Civil Peace Is a Red Line and Diplomacy Is Not

President Joseph Aoun stated from Bkerke, following a meeting with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi on the occasion of Easter:

• “For years, we have been waiting for Lebanon’s resurrection. Amid destruction and displacement, our priority is to preserve civil peace, which is a red line. Anyone attempting to undermine it is serving Israel.”

• “To those who have an excess of illusions and unrealistic ambitions, the era of ’75 is over and circumstances have changed. Some media outlets are playing a destructive role. We support freedom of expression, but it must be responsible.”

• “The security forces are ready, and there is no reason for fear, as the people are exhausted from wars.”

• “A thousand enemies outside the country are better than one inside. No one wants internal strife because the Lebanese people are tired of wars.”

• “Some ask what diplomacy has brought us. I ask instead: what has your war brought us? Negotiation is not a concession, and diplomacy is not surrender. Our contacts are ongoing to stop the killing, destruction, and suffering.”

• “I regret the attacks against the army and security forces. What have you done for the army? The army acts according to the national interest and knows its role. Without the army, we would not be in Bkerke today.”

• “Relations with Nabih Berri are excellent; he extended Easter greetings. Relations are also excellent with Nawaf Salam. We are carrying out our duties, and we have not received any response regarding negotiations.”

• “I met with the Iranian president and the Iranian foreign minister, who both emphasized non-interference in the affairs of others. As for the ‘Iranian ambassador,’ he is not officially accredited and has not presented his credentials; he is present at the embassy without an official capacity.”

• “I offer my condolences to the martyrs, wish a speedy recovery to the wounded, and extend my condolences to UNIFIL, thanking it for assisting Lebanese citizens who remain steadfast on their land.”

• “Regarding this futile war, we are making contacts to mitigate its consequences. I strongly condemn Israeli attacks targeting civilians. I salute our people in the south—we have not forgotten you, and we are working through our contacts to alleviate suffering and secure the necessities of life.”