Lebanese President confirms difficulties in implementing the Framework Agreement, but reversal is not an option
Beirut, August 17 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun affirmed on Monday Lebanon’s full commitment to implementing the Framework Agreement and supporting diplomatic efforts to end the war, noting that while there are difficulties in applying the agreement, “a reversal is not an option.”
This came during an interview while President Aoun received a delegation from the Task Force for Lebanon, discussing the general situation in Lebanon, developments in the south, and the establishment of a strategic economic and security partnership with the United States.
A statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency said that President Aoun addressed the Framework Agreement during the meeting, emphasizing that Lebanon is working to implement it fully and acknowledging practical difficulties, but reiterating that “a reversal is not an option.” He added that Lebanon “awaits a new round of negotiations to make forward progress,” reaffirming his country’s commitment to the diplomatic initiative “because the choice is limited to war or diplomacy.”
Aoun stressed that war “will not yield any results” and that the time has come to address the situation through diplomatic means, emphasizing the need to strengthen the Framework Agreement and make progress on files concerning prisoners, borders, the experimental zone, and a ceasefire.
The Lebanese President clarified that addressing the situation requires a comprehensive governmental approach to economic, social, and political aspects, “not just military,” noting that Lebanese ministries are doing their utmost to provide services to residents in the south. He pointed out that the Lebanese Army possesses a high degree of training and professionalism, but highlighted the need to provide the army with the necessary capabilities and resources to carry out its missions in the south.
President Aoun also referred to the outcomes of the recent Washington summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, which resulted in the decision to open air routes between Lebanon and the United States, and reaffirmed the importance of the presence of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The discussions also covered U.S. investments and Lebanon’s vision for establishing a strategic economic and security partnership with Washington.
Regarding reforms and the fight against corruption, President Aoun stated that Lebanon made significant strides last year before the recent war caused a “setback,” but affirmed a return to the path through studying a law on bank restructuring as a precursor to a deficit law, and preparing legislation to combat corruption through e-government and judicial independence.
On relations with Iran, he stressed the necessity of establishing a relationship based on the principle of “state-to-state,” grounded in mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs, noting that “stability in the region cannot be achieved without stability in Lebanon and support for its national army.”
(End) F.Z. / N.S.A.
