Lebanese President: No Retreat from Decision to Negotiate to Restore Lebanon's Rights and Safeguard Its Sovereignty
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun affirmed on Friday that he would not back down from his decision to negotiate with Israeli occupation forces under U.S. sponsorship, stressing the importance of clarifying his positions to the Lebanese public and the steps he is taking along this path.
The Lebanese Presidency stated in a press release, quoting President Aoun during a meeting with Lebanese Army Commander Major General Rodolphe Haykal and political parties, that he would not retract his decision to negotiate, insisting that all his positions include explanations to the Lebanese people regarding the importance of the path he is pursuing and Lebanon’s commitment to its sovereignty in every step taken.
He added that criticisms regarding direct negotiations with the Israeli occupation “do not warrant a response, as Lebanon has entered direct negotiations with Israel on more than one occasion since 1949,” noting that he is acting out of conviction and has no personal interests at stake.
Aoun clarified that “the option of negotiations affirms the sovereignty of the Lebanese state and its right to negotiate on its own behalf, freeing it from the repercussions of the war imposed upon it,” considering that he has made “a difficult choice and embarked on an uncharted path due to the regional balance of power.”
The Lebanese president explained that the framework formula “will restore Lebanon’s rights through diplomatic means, provided Israel adheres to its provisions and successfully implements them,” adding, “We currently have an opportunity to regain the losses we suffered through a futile war, especially given the current U.S. momentum in focusing on Lebanon and its ability to pressure Israel.”
It is worth noting that the Lebanese state last month reached an agreement on what is known as the “framework agreement” following rounds of direct negotiations with Israeli occupation forces under U.S. sponsorship in Washington, with the aim of achieving a complete Israeli withdrawal, halting its ongoing attacks on Lebanon, and initiating a reconstruction process while extending state and army authority over all southern territories.
