Beirut, April 16 (SANA) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Thursday that a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory is essential to consolidating a ceasefire, enabling the army to redeploy to internationally recognized borders, restoring state authority, and ending all armed presence.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, Aoun made the remarks during a meeting with U.K. Minister of State for the Middle East Hamish Falconer, stating that a ceasefire would serve as a gateway to direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel under a proposed presidential framework.
Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to de-escalation across all regions, calling for an end to attacks on civilians and the destruction of homes in southern areas. He stressed that negotiations are a sovereign matter to be handled exclusively by the Lebanese state.
He also underscored that government decisions, particularly those concerning the exclusive control of weapons by state institutions, will be implemented to ensure security, stability and public safety.
His remarks come after Lebanese and Israeli officials held talks at ambassadorial level in Washington on Tuesday, as part of efforts to ease tensions and halt hostilities.
A joint U.S.-Lebanese-Israeli statement said the talks agreed to move toward direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and place.
R.H
