President Joseph Aoun’s remarks before a delegation from the economic bodies:
In every step I have taken regarding the negotiations, I have been coordinating and consulting with the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister, contrary to what is being said in the media. As for the criticism that Lebanon, through the American statement issued following the trilateral talks in Washington, agreed to grant Israel the freedom to continue its attacks on Lebanon, I say that this language appeared in a statement issued by the US State Department. It is the same text that was adopted in November 2024 and approved by all parties at the time. It is a statement, not an agreement, because an agreement comes only after negotiations are concluded.
We are making every possible effort to reach a solution to the current situation away from violence and bloodshed, and that solution can be achieved through negotiations.
If Israel believes that through violations and the destruction of border villages it can obtain security, it is mistaken, because it has tried that before and it did not lead to any result.
The only thing that can protect the border is for the Lebanese state, in its full strength, to be present throughout the entire South and up to the international border.
Israel must realize once and for all that the only path to security is through negotiations, but it must first fully implement the ceasefire before moving on to negotiations.
There are many difficulties standing in our way to achieving stability, and we are working as much as possible to mitigate the repercussions of the military attacks on Lebanon. We are engaged in intensive contacts to that end, as it is unacceptable for Israeli attacks to continue as they are after the announcement of a ceasefire.
We are now awaiting the United States to set a date for the start of negotiations.
All European Union countries and the Arab states have supported our choice of negotiations, and there is consensus among the Lebanese people, especially the people of the South, on the need to end the war.
The Lebanese file is now on the desk of the US president, who holds a special regard for Lebanon. During our phone call, he spoke movingly in praise of Lebanon and its people. This is an opportunity for us today that we must seize in order to lead our country to the shores of safety and peace.
