Lebanese President Calls on Political Factions to Exercise Wisdom to Spare Lebanon from Risks of the Current Stage

Beirut, October 22 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned today, Thursday, of the significant challenges facing the region, calling on political factions and Lebanese officials to “exercise wisdom and awareness to spare Lebanon from any regional crisis that may arise in the coming period.” In a speech delivered at the start of a cabinet meeting held at Baabda Palace, Aoun said that “the region’s circumstances and current challenges necessitate internal cohesion and unity of ranks to confront the risks surrounding the country.” He expressed hope that “regional developments will not head toward escalation or explosion, especially since Lebanon is already suffering from pressing economic repercussions that require everyone to act with a high sense of responsibility to shield the country from the impact of those challenges.”

Aoun praised the position of Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, who called for considering the Lebanese Army as a “red line” and for maintaining civil peace and openness to dialogue and understanding as the best means of protecting Lebanon and safeguarding its resources. He commended the efforts of security agencies in maintaining security and combating terrorism, drugs, arms smuggling, and various crimes across all Lebanese regions “despite the difficult economic conditions,” emphasizing that these agencies “constitute the backbone and fundamental pillar of the state.”

The Lebanese president reaffirmed his country’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the face of the attacks it has been subjected to “and everything that threatens its sovereignty, security, and the security of its citizens.” He expressed his gratitude to Qatar for its “persistent” efforts to assist Lebanon on the energy file, hoping that the cabinet would be convened to study the energy and environment files in order to find appropriate solutions for them. (End) F.Z. / M.M.J.