Aoun meets US envoy, urges Israeli withdrawal from South of Lebanon

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
7 Feb 2025 18:04
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The Lebanese President has confirmed Lebanon's continued cooperation with international forces and provided an update on the progress of forming a new government.

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US Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus during a meeting with Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (Press Office of the Lebanese Presidency of the Lebanese Republic)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed during a meeting with US Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, at Baabda Palace on Friday that lasting stability in southern Lebanon depends on "Israel's" full withdrawal from occupied territories and the complete implementation of UN Resolution 1701, including the provisions of the November 27 agreement.

"Permanent stability in the south is closely linked to the completion of Israel's withdrawal from the territories it occupied during the last war, and the full implementation of Resolution 1701, including the provisions of the November 27 agreement," Aoun stated.

He also emphasized the importance of securing the release of Lebanese detainees, declaring, "The release of Lebanese detainees is an integral part of this agreement."

Addressing the ongoing Israeli violations, Aoun called for an end to Israeli hostilities.

"Israeli assaults must cease, including the killing of innocents and soldiers, the destruction of homes, and the bulldozing and burning of agricultural lands," he stressed.

The President reaffirmed Lebanon’s readiness to ensure security in areas from which Israeli forces withdraw.

"The Lebanese Army is ready to deploy in the villages and towns from which Israeli forces are withdrawing, with the goal of completing the withdrawal by the February 18 deadline," he said.

Aoun also underlined Lebanon’s ongoing cooperation with international forces to uphold Resolution 1701.

"Cooperation with international forces will continue constructively to implement Resolution 1701, aiming to secure stability and gradually restore life to the liberated areas, which require a comprehensive plan and minimum living conditions," he affirmed.

On domestic matters, Aoun provided an update on the formation of a new government, noting that consultations were nearing completion.

"The new government will be cohesive and capable of fulfilling the aspirations and hopes of the Lebanese people, as outlined in the inaugural speech," he said.

The meeting was attended by US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson and US Assistant Deputy Secretary of State for the Levant and Lebanon Natasha Franceschi. On the Lebanese side, participants included Brigadier General Antoine Mansour, the President’s Security and Military Advisor; Wassim Halabi, Director of President Aoun’s Office; and Antoine Haddad, Aoun’s Advisor for International Affairs.