President Aoun: Agreement is the Only Way to End Hostility Between Lebanon and Israel

Republic President Joseph Aoun received European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

During the meeting, President Aoun affirmed that "Lebanon looks forward to signing a strategic partnership with the Union," adding that "there is an interconnection between the stability of Lebanon and the stability of Europe and the region."

He said: "The Lebanese Army is fully performing its duty in the areas where it has deployed south of the Litani River in implementation of the 'Framework Agreement,' while Israel still refrains from implementing its provisions."

Regarding negotiations, he considered that "negotiation is an alternative to war and agreement is the only means to end the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel," noting that "Lebanon is committed to implementing economic reforms and passing the financial gap law, which enables the signing of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund."

For her part, Kallas confirmed that "the European Union is ready to provide the necessary aid to Lebanon, particularly to the Army, Internal Security Forces, and entities concerned with social and humanitarian aspects."