Lebanese President Vows to Keep Arms Under State Control, Rules Out Normalization with Israel
EU Ambassadors Reaffirm Support for Lebanon, Back Efforts to Repatriate Syrian Refugees
Watan-On Friday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun asserted that the decision to confine all weapons to the hands of the state is final and irreversible, emphasizing that only the Council of Ministers has the authority to decide matters of war and peace.
Speaking to a delegation from the Arab and International Affairs Council in Beirut, Aoun also ruled out any possibility of normalization with Israel under Lebanon’s current foreign policy.
“The decision to limit weapons to the state has been taken and there is no turning back. The decision of war and peace belongs solely to the Council of Ministers,” Aoun stated, according to a post by the Lebanese Presidency on X.
Aoun further stressed Lebanon’s commitment to maintaining positive relations with Syria, while also upholding a principle of non-interference in each country’s internal affairs.
He also highlighted the importance of national unity, urging Lebanese factions to cooperate with state institutions to protect the country and counter potential conspiracies.
EU Ambassadors Reaffirm Support for Lebanon and Syrian Refugee Repatriation
In a separate development, European Union ambassadors in Beirut reiterated their unwavering support for Lebanon, particularly in facilitating the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, EU envoys emphasized their commitment to:
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Lebanon’s economic and financial reform path
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Judicial independence
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The safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Syrian refugees
Prime Minister Salam thanked the EU for their continued humanitarian and economic support, sharing updates on ongoing reforms and plans for implementation in the coming months.
He stressed that the Lebanese state is committed to extending its sovereignty over all territory, in line with the Taif Agreement and the ministerial statement.
Support for Stability and UNIFIL Extension
Salam also praised the EU’s financial contributions, which exceed $600 million, aimed at supporting regions impacted by Israeli attacks, calling this aid a vital pillar of civilian resilience and stability.
He further underscored the need to renew the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for an additional year, describing its role as pivotal to maintaining peace in southern Lebanon and implementing UN Resolution 1701.
