Lebanon’s president defends talks
Beirut (dpa) — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday defended his administration’s move to hold direct negotiations with Israel and called on his compatriots to protect national unity.
“Negotiations are not a sign of weakness, retreat, or concession; but rather a decision grounded in confidence in Lebanon’s rights,” Aoun said in a televised address, hours after a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect.
The truce, which US President Donald Trump announced Thursday, comes after more than six weeks of fighting between Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah militia and Israel.
At least 2,294 people were killed in the Israeli attacks in Lebanon, according to Lebanese health authorities.
“We have reclaimed Lebanon’s sovereignty for the first time in nearly half a century. Today, we negotiate and decide for ourselves. We are no longer a card in anyone’s pocket,” Aoun said, apparently referring to Iran.
Lebanon’s president defends talks
“I will not allow a single Lebanese person to die again, nor will I allow the bloodshed of my people to continue for the sake of others’ interests and influence.”
Aoun added that no agreement would harm Lebanon’s national rights, or relinquish any part of the country’s territory.
Hezbollah is a vocal critic of the Lebanese government’s decision to enter into US-sponsored direct negotiations with Israel.
Without naming the Iran-allied group, Aoun said, “I am ready to bear full responsibility for these choices and to go wherever necessary to liberate my land, protect my people, and save my homeland.”
He called on the Lebanese to heed wisdom and be on their guard against misleading slogans.
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