President Aoun calls for negotiations to end war
President of the Republic Joseph Aoun stressed that wars rarely unfold as either side expects and can ultimately end only through negotiation and dialogue, warning that continued fighting would bring further destruction and loss of life.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church, headed by Patriarch John X Yazigi, Aoun said the primary objectives of negotiations were to secure Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory, secure the release of prisoners, facilitate the return of displaced residents, advance reconstruction and ensure the Lebanese Army’s deployment throughout the country.
He emphasized that there was no disagreement among Lebanese over these objectives, but rather over the means of achieving them.
When the south is wounded, all of Lebanon feels the pain, Aoun said, reaffirming the state’s responsibility toward its citizens.
He noted that successive wars imposed on Lebanon had hindered efforts to restore state institutions in the south and delayed several achievements, despite significant progress in economic, financial, administrative and judicial reforms.
The president stressed that rebuilding trust between citizens and the state, as well as between Lebanese residents and expatriates, remained a central priority.
Highlighting Lebanon’s unity and diversity, Aoun recalled Pope John Paul II’s description of Lebanon as a message, warning against sectarian divisions and political interests that undermine national solidarity.
He called on Lebanese citizens to draw strength from their unity rather than seek external support against one another.
For his part, Patriarch Yazigi expressed confidence in Aoun’s leadership, acknowledging the extraordinary challenges facing Lebanon amid international and regional conflicts.
He affirmed that Eastern Christians regard Lebanon’s power-sharing system based on Christian-Muslim parity as a symbol of their enduring presence in the region.
We will remain here as firmly as Lebanon’s cedars, Yazigi said, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between Christians and Muslims in rebuilding the country.
