Lebanon Welcomes Alternative European Force to UNIFIL If Renewal Fails

President of the Republic Joseph Aoun affirmed during his meeting with Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Helen McEntee that "Lebanon wishes for UNIFIL forces to complete their operational mission in the south, and welcomes any alternative European force in cooperation with the United Nations, should renewal prove impossible," adding that "the logistical and technical support that the alternative force could provide to UNIFIL would have a positive impact on facilitating the Lebanese Army's mission and easing life for the southern community."

He indicated that "communications are continuing with Washington to put an end to Israeli aggressions against the South," noting that "Israel, through its aggressions, places obstacles before the implementation of the framework agreement, preventing the Lebanese Army from extending state sovereignty to the borders and restoring stability."

Aoun stressed that "Lebanon looks forward to the support of friendly countries, including Ireland, to pressure Israel to stop its aggressions, withdraw from the South, return prisoners, and enable the state to rebuild destroyed villages and allow their residents to return."

For her part, the Irish Minister said that "Ireland's support for Lebanon will continue despite the difficult conditions the region is passing through."