"Fire Violence" Continues in the South.. President of the Republic: Committed to Implementing the "Framework Agreement"

The Israeli army continued its reconnaissance military operations at times, and its artillery and aerial fire violence at others, over monitored areas, targeting Maroun al-Ras and Bint Jbeil with burning and bulldozing. Meanwhile, a statement issued by MP Qassim Hashem, a member of the “Development and Liberation” bloc led by Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, warned against “the enemy’s leaders’ efforts to impose a new reality in the region,” calling for “handling the current phase with greater awareness and caution to protect Lebanon from the repercussions of escalation.”

This reality was followed by President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun, who received Canada’s Minister of State for International Development, Randy Sarai, who affirmed his country’s support for Lebanon in these difficult times and its readiness to assist in humanitarian and developmental fields, based on the friendship ties between the two countries. He also conveyed an invitation to President Aoun to visit Canada and meet with its officials.

For his part, President Aoun briefed the Canadian minister on the situation from various angles, focusing particularly on the importance of Canadian aid in humanitarian and social fields, especially in facilitating the return of displaced persons to their villages and securing their housing in towns destroyed by the Israeli occupation. This would be achieved by providing ready-made homes for temporary shelter until the reconstruction process begins, which will be undertaken by the state after the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of the Lebanese Army to the international borders. President Aoun stressed the “importance of activating joint cooperation programs between the two countries, particularly in the economic and investment fields,” to which the Canadian minister expressed his country’s readiness to follow up on this matter.

The discussions between President Aoun and the Canadian minister also touched upon the situation in the south. The President of the Republic explained Lebanon’s position regarding the Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations that produced the “Framework Agreement,” which Lebanon insists on implementing. This has led Lebanon to call for pressuring Israel to comply with its provisions, specifically regarding the cessation of bombing, destroying, and bulldozing homes and properties, as well as targeting civilians, as occurred in the towns of Ansar and Al-Zahrani a few days ago.

On another front, Commander of the Lebanese Army General Rodolphe Haykal visited the Dar al-Fatwa, where he met with Grand Mufti of Lebanon Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, and discussed the situation on the Lebanese scene. Mufti Derian praised the “role of the Lebanese Army and its wise leadership in safeguarding the country’s security,” and affirmed his support for the army “in maintaining the stability and integrity of the homeland.” He highlighted the “heroism and sacrifices the army has made and continues to make in confronting the Israeli aggression on Lebanon, as well as its role in preserving security and stability in the country.”

Furthermore, Mufti Derian received MP Adib Abdulmassih, who noted after the meeting that “the Lebanese Army, before needing material support, needs our moral support, through the convergence of hands and a genuine national integration, not just in words but in action, so that we may together reach safe shores.” He added, “Our message today is one of national unity and standing behind the Lebanese state and the Lebanese Army.”

As for MP Fouad Mazrouei, he hosted a dinner in his honor for the members of the board of directors of the US Action Group for Lebanon and a delegation of US Congressional staff. He stated that the “Framework Agreement” and the “Rome Track” offer “a crucial opportunity to restore state authority, strengthen and support the Lebanese Army, and create conditions for achieving sustainable peace and recovery.” Addressing his guests, Mazrouei said, “When you return to Washington, I hope you carry with you a single message: that Lebanon deserves investment. The existence of a strong Lebanese state serves the interests of the Lebanese people and stability in the region.” He continued, “We have a real opportunity before us, and we must demonstrate courage and determination to seize it.”

Following its regular meeting, the “Identity and Sovereignty Meeting,” chaired by former Minister Youssef Safra, issued a statement issuing “a direct and urgent appeal to the United States of America through its Lebanese ambassador in Lebanon.”

Meanwhile, the Distinguished Public Prosecutor, Judge Ahmad Ramy Al-Hajj, has decided to hand over former Syrian Major General Adel Issa, who is detained in Lebanon, to the Syrian authorities for trial on the charges attributed to him.