Aoun to French Parliamentary Delegation: No Sustainable Solutions Except Diplomatic Negotiation, 'No Room for Despair'

Beirut – Mansour Shaaban: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun stated that “Lebanon is a message of freedom and pluralism in the region and the world, and it cannot survive without its Christian and Muslim wings. If it loses its Christian wing, extremism becomes the alternative, and it will spread to Europe. And if it loses its Muslim wing for any reason, moderation will be lost.”

Aoun added, in the presence of five French MPs from the Study Group on Eastern Christians, led by MP Sandrine Fouchier-Caillaud, who were received by him yesterday at his office in Baabda Palace, with French Ambassador to Lebanon Patrick Doriat present, that “Christians in Lebanon are keen to preserve Christian-Muslim coexistence, and they affirm through their practices the importance of the role they play in Eastern and Western countries.”

The President of the Republic stressed that “there is no danger to the Christian presence in Lebanon, and what has happened in several neighboring countries cannot be repeated here. Christians, together with their Muslim brothers, constitute a unique model,” noting that “Christian-Muslim coexistence in Lebanon is not merely a political formula imposed by circumstances, but a national and civilizational choice and a human experience that has proven that diversity can be a source of strength, and that difference does not contradict unity, but enriches and strengthens it.” He clarified that “this coexistence is based on full partnership in building the state, safeguarding its institutions, and determining the country’s future.”

Aoun pointed out that “Lebanon’s true strength lies in its ability to protect and develop this model, and to consolidate trust among its citizens, away from the logic of dominance and exclusion, ensuring respect for the specificity of each component within a single, just, and strong state.”

He reiterated that “Lebanon is committed to the continued presence of UNIFIL in the south, or to replacing it with European forces, which would serve as a nucleus for forces from friendly countries willing to assist Lebanon and contribute to achieving security and stability in the south.” He emphasized that “there are no safe and sustainable solutions through war, but only through diplomatic negotiation.”

Speaking before the Lebanese-Cypriot Business Council, President Aoun said there is “no place for despair,” and affirmed that “Lebanon’s problems cannot be solved except by adopting a language of calm and dialogue, away from confrontation.”

During the meeting between the French parliamentary delegation and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raji, they were briefed on the diplomatic efforts undertaken to achieve the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories. Raji stressed that “the bold decisions taken by the government to confine weapons to the state’s hands and extend its authority over its entire territory are not made to appease any party, but reflect a national choice.” Following this, the delegation visited Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces party, in Maarab.

In this context, the Foreign Minister’s participation in the meeting of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, dedicated to discussing the conclusion of UNIFIL’s mandate, was significant. Committee Chairman MP Fadi Al-Alam said, “It appears that matters are proceeding in a direction we did not expect: there is a decision not to renew UNIFIL’s mandate, and there is a kind of solution that is not entirely clear. European countries are appreciated; if they wish to participate, or if Arab countries do. What matters to us is that it operates under a UN umbrella to protect Lebanese citizens.”