Lebanese President: Ceasefire is the Natural Gateway to Direct Negotiations

Beirut, April 16 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun affirmed on Thursday that a ceasefire, as demanded by his country, with the Israeli occupation would serve as the natural entry point for direct negotiations between the two countries.

In a statement, the Lebanese Presidency said that Aoun, during his meeting with British Minister of State for the Middle East Hamish Falconer, stressed Lebanon’s commitment to halting escalation in the south and across all Lebanese areas, in order to stop the targeting of innocents and civilians and to halt the destruction of homes in villages and towns.

He reiterated that such negotiations are solely under the authority of the Lebanese state, as it is a sovereign matter that cannot involve any external party. He clarified that the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Lebanese territory is a “fundamental step” to consolidate the ceasefire on one hand, and to enable the redeployment of the Lebanese Army to the international borders, fully extend state authority, and eliminate all armed manifestations on the other.

Aoun emphasized that the decisions taken by the government, particularly those concerning the monopoly on weapons, would be implemented in Lebanon’s interest and to ensure the protection of all Lebanese citizens.

The Lebanese president praised the support provided by Britain, and still ongoing, in various fields, especially support for the army, the establishment of border watchtowers, and humanitarian and relief aid intended to alleviate the suffering of Lebanese people in general, and displaced persons in particular.

The Presidency statement conveyed the British minister’s endorsement of his country’s support for the efforts undertaken by the Lebanese president to achieve a ceasefire and launch a negotiation process that fulfills the objectives outlined in his negotiation initiative, affirming Britain’s backing of the Lebanese government’s decisions.

Falconer announced that his country would provide humanitarian assistance exceeding $27 million (£20.5 million) to support Lebanon’s efforts in caring for displaced persons.

It is recalled that last Tuesday, the first direct meeting between Lebanese and Israeli parties took place in the US capital, Washington, concluding with a statement noting that “all parties agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and place.”

Lebanon reiterated the urgent need for the full implementation of the ceasefire declaration issued in November 2024. It also stressed the principles of territorial integrity and full state sovereignty, while calling for a ceasefire and concrete measures to address the severe humanitarian crisis the country continues to suffer from as a result of the ongoing conflict, and to mitigate its repercussions. (End) A.Y.B./T.M.A.