LOC23:28
20:28 GMT
BEIRUT, Dec 8 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed Monday his country's desire to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict with the Israeli occupation that lead to the cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of occupation forces from the South.
President Auon made this remark during his meeting with French presidential envoy, Jean-Yves Le Drian, at Baabda Palace.
He informed the French presidential envoy that his country welcomes any French diplomatic role aimed at halting hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from southern Lebanon.
He emphasized that French President Emmanuel Macron's efforts in this regard reflect the depth of the "deep-rooted" Lebanese-French relations and Lebanon's keenness to develop them in all fields.
He emphasized that the Lebanese army has fully carried out its mission south of the Litani River since its deployment a year ago, "offering 12 martyrs, a fact confirmed by UNIFIL leadership and the ambassadors of Security Council member states during their visits to the south last week."
President Auon dismissed the accusations leveled against the army regarding its failure to fulfill its duties south of the Litani to be "baseless and unacceptable."
He pointed out that the occupation forces continue to destroy homes and do not allow the army, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), or the mechanism committee to verify that they are free of armed elements.
The Lebanese leader welcomed the continued contribution of European countries to maintaining security on the border after the anticipated UNIFIL withdrawal in 2027, in cooperation with the Lebanese army and after the establishment of appropriate legal frameworks.
He stressed that the Lebanese army will assume its responsibility for protecting the borders "whether or not the required support is provided."
He expressed his hope that a date for the proposed conference to support the army would be set during the upcoming meeting in Paris on December 18 between France, the United States, and Saudi Arabia.
For his part, Le Drian noted the "positive impact" of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Lebanon last week, "which affirmed the importance of Lebanon's role and its commitment to its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity."
He reiterated France's "steadfast" support for Lebanon and its continued commitment to its security and stability, as well as its efforts to strengthen Lebanon's ability to confront current challenges. (end)
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