Lebanese President reaffirms his country's commitment to the continued presence of UNIFIL and accuses the occupation of continuing violations
Beirut, Sept 3 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the continued presence of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), while accusing Israel of persisting in violations of the framework agreement reached in Washington.
In a statement, the Lebanese presidency quoted Aoun as saying during a meeting with Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Shourd Shordsma, at the Baabda Presidential Palace in Beirut, that the Israeli occupation continues to breach the agreement reached in Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations through ongoing shelling, destruction of occupied southern villages, and the bulldozing of homes and properties.
He stressed that the Lebanese Army “is fully carrying out its duties in the model areas where it has redeployed, and that all claims to the contrary aim to disparage the army, question its role, and cast doubt on its commitment to the decisions of the political authority.”
Aoun reiterated that the reconstruction of the south is “the responsibility of the Lebanese state,” noting that this cannot be achieved while the Israeli occupation persists. He welcomed any international assistance in this regard, particularly as several countries have agreed to convene an international conference to provide the necessary support.
The Lebanese president reaffirmed his country’s insistence on maintaining UNIFIL’s presence, citing its important role. He added that “if renewal of its mandate proves impossible, Lebanon welcomes any friendly or sister country willing to complete UNIFIL’s tasks, particularly in providing support to the army and southern citizens in humanitarian, social, health, and educational fields.”
In this context, Aoun pointed out that “contacts are ongoing to find a legal framework for such an international presence.”
For his part, the Dutch minister affirmed his country’s solidarity with Lebanon and its people amid the difficult circumstances the nation faces, noting that his visit to Nabatieh yesterday allowed him to closely observe the scale of suffering endured by citizens and the war’s repercussions on their lives and areas. He said he would bring to The Hague the humanitarian stories he heard and witnessed, reflecting the reality experienced by Lebanese people.
The meeting also covered support programs provided by the Netherlands to Lebanon, particularly support for the Lebanese Army, shelter, education, and livelihood programs, which the Dutch government is working to enhance this year.
Discussions also addressed “the importance of accountability for violations of international humanitarian law” and the support the Netherlands provides in this area, including assistance in strengthening capacities related to documenting and investigating violations, and supporting the work of the committee established by Lebanon for this purpose, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Tariq Maatari.
The talks also explored possibilities for expanding economic cooperation between Lebanon and the Netherlands, particularly in trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Emphasis was placed on “the importance of Lebanon’s stability for the security of the region and Europe,” and on the significant opportunities to develop bilateral partnership.
The meeting also touched upon the situation in the south and the role of UNIFIL, as well as developments related to extending state authority over all Lebanese territory and monopolizing weapons in its hands, as part of efforts to strengthen Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability.
The Dutch minister, accompanied by Lebanese Ministers of Social Affairs, Hanine Sayyid, and Agriculture, Nizar Hani, visited the south yesterday, including Nabatieh and surrounding towns, to monitor conditions in the south, assess the needs of residents, and support the return and recovery process.
Lebanon signed a framework agreement on June 26, following the fifth round of Lebanese-Israeli talks mediated by the United States in Washington. (End) A.Y.B./T.M.A.
