Beirut, June.23 (SANA) Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun reaffirmed on Tuesday that coordination between Lebanon and Syria is maintained across multiple sectors, particularly in the security and judicial fields.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), Aoun made the remarks during a meeting with Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen, pointing to ongoing cooperation between Beirut and Damascus aimed at facilitating the return of Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon to their homeland.
Aoun also welcomed various forms of support and assistance provided by sisterly and friendly countries to strengthen Lebanon’s security and stability.
“Lebanon welcomes all assistance that contributes to enhancing security and stability throughout the country, leads to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupy, ensures the return of residents of southern Lebanon to their villages and towns, secures the release of detainees, and supports the reconstruction of areas damaged by the aggression,” Aoun said.
He added that such efforts would further strengthen the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces throughout the national territory, enabling them to exercise full authority and assume sole responsibility for safeguarding the country’s security and citizens.
In this context, Aoun noted that several countries have expressed interest in sending troops to Lebanon after the conclusion of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), with the aim of supporting the Lebanese Army in carrying out its national duties.
Regarding the ongoing negotiations in Washington between Lebanon and Israel, Aoun stated that the talks seek to establish a solid foundation for a clear framework capable of achieving Lebanon’s demands in full and paving the way for a genuine and lasting peace rather than temporary arrangements that had prevailed in the past.
He stressed that previous experiences and military confrontations had only aggravated the hardships and suffering endured by Lebanon and its people.
Dutch foreign minister reiterated his country’s support for all efforts aimed at consolidating Lebanon’s stability, security and sovereignty, and backing state institutions in their efforts to rebuild and revitalize the country.
Earlier on Tuesday, Aoun reiterated that negotiations represent the most appropriate option for safeguarding Lebanon’s national interests, while emphasizing adherence to full sovereignty and rejecting any form of occupation or external tutelage.
A/Dh
