Lebanese President stresses country's commitment to diplomatic and negotiated solutions to resolve conflicts

Beirut, October 29 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed on Thursday his country’s commitment to diplomatic and negotiated solutions to address conflicts and wars, stressing that “wars have not achieved their intended objectives and that lasting stability cannot be attained through military force alone.”

In a statement, the Lebanese Presidency said that during his meeting with German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Annalena Baerbock, Aoun called for an end to Israeli occupation attacks and adherence to existing understandings, noting that “the continuation of military operations and targeting of civilian areas and infrastructure exacerbates the suffering of the population and undermines efforts to achieve stability.”

He pointed out that Lebanon has raised four key files in communications and negotiations: a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, border demarcation, and the issue of prisoners, but the required progress has not yet been achieved.

The Lebanese president emphasized that the continuation of attacks leads to “complicating the situation and reinforcing a logic of confrontation at a time when the residents of the south need security, reassurance, and a return to their normal lives,” reaffirming the readiness of the Lebanese state and the Lebanese Armed Forces “to address any security concerns through official mechanisms and established coordination, rather than resorting to military operations.”

He appreciated Germany’s supportive stance toward Lebanon, highlighting the importance of the European role in backing efforts to consolidate stability in Lebanon and the region. He called for enhanced European support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, given the significant responsibilities it bears, whether in maintaining internal security and stability, combating terrorism and drug trafficking, securing borders, and fighting irregular migration. He stressed that supporting the Lebanese army and security institutions constitutes “a direct investment in the stability of Lebanon and the region, with positive repercussions for European security as well, given the close interconnection between the two shores of the Mediterranean.”

The meeting with the German minister also covered the progress of economic and financial reforms. Aoun noted the continued work with the International Monetary Fund and international financial institutions to complete necessary reforms and restore confidence in the Lebanese economy.

He expressed his hope for Germany’s contribution to “international efforts to support reconstruction, particularly within any framework being prepared under the leadership of the World Bank and in coordination with the Lebanese government.” He affirmed the importance of “gradually transitioning from the emergency aid phase to building a sustainable economic and developmental partnership,” calling on the German private sector to invest in Lebanon and take advantage of opportunities available in various productive sectors and infrastructure, thereby contributing to stimulating growth and creating jobs.

For her part, the German minister affirmed her country’s commitment to standing by Lebanon, stressing that “the geographical proximity and close ties between Lebanon and Europe serve as an additional impetus to deepen bilateral relations and expand areas of cooperation in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and contributes to achieving stability and development.”

In a statement to the media, Minister Baerbock said her visit to Lebanon was to assess the situation on the ground, noting that “Lebanon stands at a critical crossroads. After months of conflict in the south, widespread destruction, and ongoing internal displacement, Lebanon has reached the limits of its resilience.” She referred to the economic and financial crisis and its heavy burden on the state and society. She affirmed Germany’s support for the reform agenda and the building of effective state institutions, as well as laying the conditions for a better life for Lebanese citizens, especially those most affected by the crisis.

She described good governance, transparency, accountability, reliable basic care, and a fairer social policy as “building blocks for a new beginning,” noting that “Germany relies on this approach in its development cooperation.” She pointed out that the German federal government focuses its support for Lebanon on three pillars: first, strengthening state institutions and implementing reforms; second, promoting economic growth and providing opportunities for all segments of society; and third, helping people overcome the consequences of regional conflicts and ongoing crises, particularly in the south. She highlighted Germany’s support for rebuilding and strengthening municipal infrastructure and ensuring basic services. She stressed that her country’s support aims to enhance state effectiveness, noting that sustainable peace in Lebanon requires stability, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the state’s provision of security and basic services to the people.

Regarding Germany’s readiness to form a European force to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), she noted that Germany has participated in UNIFIL for many years, but “the future of these forces is the responsibility of other specialized entities, particularly the United Nations Security Council.” She added that Germany “is closely monitoring the situation and there must be no vacuum in this regard,” emphasizing that “in the international community we want to support the Lebanese Army, as it is already a cornerstone of the country’s stability, and we will do so now and in the future.”

In response to a question about whether Germany intends to pressure Israel to halt its attacks on southern Lebanon, Minister Radovan affirmed that “in recent months, of course, this issue has been important for the German federal government, namely the military confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel. We also address the Israeli government directly on this matter, especially following the attacks on Beirut, and we will continue this approach and keep engaging Israel on this issue.” (End) A.Y.B./T.M.A.