Aoun: No Turning Back From Negotiations, Progress Underway
President Joseph Aoun said criticism over direct negotiations with Israel does not warrant a response, noting that Lebanon has engaged in direct talks with Israel on several occasions, beginning in 1949.
Speaking to the Strong Republic parliamentary bloc, headed by Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, at the presidential palace in Baabda, Aoun said: “I assure you that I will not back down from the decision to pursue negotiations, while insisting on explaining to the Lebanese people the importance of the path we are taking and Lebanon’s commitment to its sovereignty in every step we undertake.”
Aoun acknowledged that he had made “a difficult choice,” saying: “The road ahead is not paved, due to the balance of power, Israeli calculations, the U.S.-Iranian situation, and other complexities. However, this choice reaffirms the sovereignty of the Lebanese state and its right to negotiate on its own behalf, while freeing it from the consequences of a war imposed on it.”
The president questioned why “the Lebanese people should continue paying the price for wars that were ignited at the behest of external actors and in pursuit of their interests.” He said the framework formula would restore Lebanon’s rights through diplomatic means, if Israel commits to its provisions and its implementation succeeds.
Aoun added that Lebanon currently has an opportunity to regain gains lost through “a futile war,” particularly amid the current U.S. momentum and Washington’s ability to pressure Israel to remove obstacles it has created.
He concluded by saying that “matters are gradually moving toward resolution,” adding that all criticism targeting this process stems from a desire to turn the Lebanese file back into a card in Iran’s hands.
