Aoun discusses southern arrangements with Heikal… Geagea: The state is everyone’s reference, and the framework agreement is the available option

President Joseph Aoun received Army Commander General Rodolphe Heikal in a meeting devoted to discussing the security developments in the country, particularly in the south, amid the continuing Israeli attacks targeting a number of southern villages and towns.

The talks also addressed the ongoing preparations to implement the provisions set out in the framework formula within the designated pilot areas, where the Lebanese Army is expected to deploy simultaneously with the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

President Aoun also reviewed with the army commander the missions being carried out by the military institution across Lebanese territory, in addition to the army’s conditions and the needs of its personnel at this delicate stage.

In a related context, President Aoun received Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, accompanied by a delegation from the “Strong Republic” bloc.

After the meeting, Geagea said:

“The state today is President Joseph Aoun, the government, and Parliament, and whatever is issued by them must constitute the reference for الجميع.

There can be no real state without one weapon and one army, and without every side assuming its responsibilities away from exclusion or elimination, while President Aoun exercises his full constitutional powers.

We urged President Aoun to continue with the framework agreement. We are not enamored of this agreement, but no option remains before us except this one.”