Lebanese President Joseph Aoun Emphasizes Critical Role of UNIFIL Presence in Southern Lebanon

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, President Joseph Aoun has underscored the importance of the continued presence of UNIFIL forces, stating that their role is vital to the stability of the country’s southern regions. Aoun expressed that the government’s primary objective remains the extension of the current mandate to ensure security in the border areas.

Addressing the strategic necessity of the mission, the President noted, “Our primary choice is to extend the presence of UNIFIL forces. If this is not achievable, our alternative strategy involves establishing a concrete framework to guarantee the continued deployment of international forces in southern Lebanon.” He emphasized that the presence of these peacekeepers is crucial for encouraging residents to remain in their villages and for bolstering security through close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Furthermore, President Aoun highlighted the growing geopolitical friction surrounding the mission, alleging that Israel has been actively working against the presence of UNIFIL. According to the President, Israel has been exerting significant pressure for more than a year to undermine the mission, standing in direct contrast to Lebanon’s official stance, which insists on the necessity of the peacekeepers remaining in the Persian Gulf region and beyond to monitor the border stability.