Baabda Palace witnessed a series of spiritual, parliamentary, diplomatic, and security meetings earlier today.
In this context, President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun received Catholicos of the Armenian Orthodox Church Aram I Keshishian, accompanied by Bishops Shahan Panossian and Daghash Ashaikian.
Discussions focused on general developments in the country, as well as issues concerning members of the Armenian Orthodox community in Lebanon.
Following the meeting, Catholicos Aram I stated:
“We visited His Excellency the President of the Lebanese Republic, General Joseph Aoun, to express, in our name and on behalf of our community, our solidarity with him and our support for the efforts and positions he is taking personally and with the government.
Preserving Lebanon’s territorial unity and sovereignty, strengthening state authority across its territory, ensuring the presence of the army in all regions, and safeguarding national unity—especially under the current critical circumstances—are urgent priorities. We are fully confident that this is the aspiration of every Lebanese citizen. Therefore, statements that provoke internal sensitivities must be avoided, and efforts should focus on serving the public interest.”
He added:
“Lebanon is facing major risks. The Israeli incursions into southern Lebanon, ongoing shelling, and assassinations are strongly condemned. Israel’s violations constitute breaches of international law, and therefore the international community, especially friendly countries, must not remain idle in the face of continued aggression.
Regarding the issue of displaced persons, a well-considered and sustainable approach must be adopted. We commend the efforts of the state and all communities toward the displaced, hoping that conditions will improve soon to allow their return to their regions and homes.”
Qatari Ambassador
President Aoun also received Qatar’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. They discussed current local and regional developments and bilateral relations.
The President reiterated his condemnation of the attacks targeting the State of Qatar, affirming Lebanon’s solidarity and expressing hope that Qatar and all Gulf countries will restore their security and stability.
MP Ihab Matar
The President also met with MP Ihab Matar to review the latest local and regional developments. After the meeting, Matar stated:
“I visited President Joseph Aoun today, where we discussed the repercussions of the war imposed on Lebanon from abroad. I expressed my full support for his recent negotiation initiative and his national stance on Lebanon’s sovereignty, as well as his diplomatic efforts to end the war. I reaffirmed my support for the presidential oath, the ministerial statement, and government decisions, particularly regarding limiting weapons to the state.
I also echoed his condemnation of systematic Israeli attacks and stressed the importance of preserving the image of the Lebanese Army as a national institution prioritizing Lebanon’s interests, while expressing concern over voices attempting to undermine it.
I conveyed to the President the situation in Tripoli, before and after the war, particularly regarding hosting displaced persons. I also urged attention to pending issues such as unsafe buildings and the general amnesty law, including for Islamist detainees.
I expressed my conviction that the current crisis requires a national initiative to protect Lebanon from internal strife. In my view, Lebanon’s position should remain under an Arab umbrella, and I noted the President’s condemnation of attacks targeting brotherly Arab countries.”
He concluded:
“The current situation requires everyone to rally behind national unity. Lebanon is going through dangerous times, and all attempts to incite internal strife will fail.”
Director General of State Security
President Aoun also received the Director General of State Security, Major General Edgar Lawandos, who briefed him on the agency’s work across various sectors, particularly its efforts in combating corruption within state institutions.
