Aoun in Paris: I Follow Developments with Deep Concern

President Joseph Aoun, upon arriving in Paris, expressed "his profound appreciation for France—its president, government, and people—for continuing to support Lebanon and its constitutional, military, and security institutions," stressing that "this historic partnership between the two countries assumes exceptional significance today in light of the challenges facing Lebanon."

President Aoun emphasized that "the Lebanese Army and internal security forces, along with other security agencies, constitute the sole guarantee for protecting the country, its sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens, and enhancing their human and logistical capabilities has become a supreme national priority requiring concerted efforts from friendly international partners," underscoring that "his participation in the preparatory meeting for the international conference hosted by France to support the army and internal security forces falls within the Lebanese state's commitment to asserting its authority, confining arms to legitimate state control, and building a strong state capable of protecting its citizens and preserving regional stability."

Regarding his upcoming meeting tomorrow with French President Emmanuel Macron, President Aoun said "the discussion will cover the preparatory meeting, the situation in Lebanon generally and in the south specifically in light of ongoing Israeli attacks on southern villages and towns, as well as the post-mission phase of the international forces operating in the south, UNIFIL, the trajectory of the Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations, and conditions across the region."

President Aoun highlighted "the role played by Jordan’s monarch, King Abdullah II, in supporting Lebanon, including several initiatives in this regard, such as the preparatory meeting to be held in the French capital."

Responding to a question about Lebanon’s stance on the attempted attack on Mecca, President Aoun stated: "I followed with utmost concern the developments related to the attempt to target Mecca, the Muslims' holy site across the earth, and I strongly condemn this heinous act, which does not target Saudi Arabia alone but also violates the sanctity of sacred sites cherished in the hearts of two billion Muslims as symbols of faith and peace."

He stressed that "targeting holy places, regardless of the motives or political calculations behind it, constitutes a violation of all religious and humanitarian norms and demands a unified Arab and Islamic response to put an end to such practices that threaten regional security and stability."

President Aoun affirmed "Lebanon’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—its leadership, government, and people—and commended the vigilance of its armed forces in countering this threat and safeguarding visitors to the House of God and those residing near the Sacred Mosques."