BEIRUT, Oct 8 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on European Union countries to pressure the Israeli occupation to withdraw from Lebanese territories and stop its attacks so that the Lebanese army can continue confining weapons in the hands of legitimate security forces, Wednesday.
This came during President Aoun's reception of the Deputy Secretary General for Peace, Security, and Defence at the European External Action Service, Charles Fries at the Presidential Palace.
President Aoun said in a statement that without the withdrawal of occupation forces from the areas they occupy, stopping their daily attacks, and returning Lebanese prisoners, the situation will remain 'unstable and the Lebanese army's plans will be hindered.' He pointed out that the Lebanese army is deployed all throughout Lebanon and carries out security tasks in addition to its primary mission in the south, especially since it has deployed south of the Litani River, expect for areas still occupied by the Israeli occupation, contrary to the agreement reached last November.
President Aoun quotes Fries as confirming the EU's readiness to continue supporting Lebanon in the areas it needs, particularly supporting the Lebanese army, in addition to the support it provides in the Syrian refugee file.
The Lebanese army had presented to the Council of Minister last September its plan to extend the state's authority through confining and confiscating weapons in the hands of legitimate authorities. (end) ayb.sas