Joseph Aoun Reveals Details of Lebanon-US Talks
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and the newspaper Al-Akhbar, amid increasing U.S. pressure on the Lebanese goverment in recent weeks to disarm the resistance-which effectively means depriving Lebanon of its strength-President Joseph Aoun today emphasized that monopoly over weapons must belong exclusively to the army and security forces. he also detailed ongoing talks with the United States.
Speaking on Army Day, Joseph Aoun stated: “It is my duty, as well as that of all political parties through the government, Supreme Defense Council, parliament, and political forces to seize this historic possibility without hesitation to secure sole authority over arms by lebanon’s army and security institutions throughout Lebanese territory. This step is crucial for restoring global confidence in our capability to maintain national security against Israeli regime aggressions.”
Aoun added: “As the ceasefire announcement in November 2024 until now, our sovereignty has been violated thousands of times by the enemy who massacred hundreds of Lebanese civilians.My commitment to weapon monopoly stems from my commitment to defending Lebanon’s sovereignty and borders, liberating occupied Lebanese lands, and building a country welcoming all its citizens. I urge all political factions to address this issue responsibly; this decisive phase cannot tolerate provocations or unhelpful proposals.”
Addressing Lebanese citizens directly,he said: “My request is that you trust only your government; otherwise your sacrifices-and those made by this administration-will be wasted. You are too honorable to jeopardize state-building projects or provide excuses for enemies seeking pretexts for aggression and war against our country.”
The president continued: ”The government’s priorities include maintaining security alongside implementing reforms while advancing reconstruction efforts simultaneously. A board has been appointed for progress and reconstruction oversight; a workshop assessing damages and drafting rebuilding plans has begun operating.During my foreign visits with friendly brotherly countries, I have actively sought funds necessary for reconstruction.”
On security matters, Joseph Aoun affirmed Lebanon’s military and security apparatus possess sufficient power to confront challenges assert government control across all territories while combating corruption and terrorism.
Aoun then outlined details from discussions with U.S. representatives coordinated with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri: “The American side presented draft ideas which we fundamentally amended; these will be submitted early next week according to established procedures.”
The president highlighted eight key points in Lebanon’s preliminary response draft addressing U.S. proposals:
- Immediate cessation of Israeli regime aggressions by air, land, and sea against Lebanon including ending assassinations.
- Israeli enemy withdrawal behind international borders along with release of Lebanese prisoners.
- Extension of full governmental authority nationwide coupled with disarmament of all armed factions-including hezbollah-and transfer of weapons exclusively to the army.
- An annual provision of one billion USD over ten years from friendly countries supporting Lebanon’s army/security forces.
- An international donor conference slated for next fall focused on Lebanese reconstruction funding.
- Delineation of land-and-sea borders between Syria & Lebanon facilitated by assistance from America, France Saudi Arabia & UN bodies.
- The resolution concerning Syrian refugees residing within Lebanon’s territories.
- Tackling drug trafficking while supporting agriculture plus choice industries development initiatives.
Aoun’s remarks regarding Hezbollah disarmament come amid widespread understanding within Lebanon that it was precisely the resistance’s weapons which served as effective deterrence against Israel over past decades-and disarming it would leave Lebanon completely defenseless.
Especially following recent events in Syria combined with repeated Israeli incursions into Syrian territory-themselves occurring after Israel dismantled most Syrian military capacities post-Bashar al-Assad regime collapse-even many opponents inside Lebanon express concern about their country’s future without armed resistance.
The situation grows even more precarious given knowledge that Lebanon’s army remains under american influence without any truly effective weaponry capable confronting external threats effectively.”
