Aoun holds a series of meetings
President Joseph Aoun held a series of meetings at Baabda Palace with officials and political figures to discuss public affairs, regional developments, and security, legal, and judicial matters.
President Aoun discussed the security situation with Defense Minister Major General Michel Menassa, stressing the importance of preserving stability. He praised the Lebanese Army's central role in implementing the decisions of the political authorities and maintaining public safety, while calling for the military leadership, officers, and personnel to be shielded from political targeting.
President Aoun received Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Gebran Bassil, accompanied by MPs Nada Boustani, Jimmy Jabbour, Salim Aoun, and Edgard Traboulsi.
Bassil presented a proposal for an international guarantee mechanism and an implementation force in South Lebanon following the end of UNIFIL's mandate. He said the proposal aims to ensure a full Israeli withdrawal within three months, put an end to attacks, facilitate the return of displaced residents, launch reconstruction efforts, and establish the state's exclusive control over weapons within one year.
The proposed force would include the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to ensure political balance.
President Aoun also met with MP Alain Aoun, who discussed ongoing international diplomatic efforts, stressing that negotiations should lead to an end to the war, an Israeli withdrawal, and the establishment of the state's exclusive authority over weapons through the Lebanese Army.
He cautioned against domestic rhetoric targeting the military institution and noted that President Aoun remains open to unconditional bilateral dialogue with all political factions, including Hezbollah.
Aoun met as well with former MP Fares Souaid and President of the Central Inspection Board Judge George Attieh, stressing the need for strict oversight and accountability to address violations within public administration.
He also received Rose Choueiry and Hiam Boustany, representatives of the Maronite Foundation in Abidjan, to discuss the updated draft law on the recovery of Lebanese citizenship.
