President Aoun Meets Military and Political Leaders to Discuss Security and State Affairs

President Joseph Aoun commended the army's leadership, officers, and personnel for their efforts in enforcing state authority, preserving security and stability, controlling borders, and protecting civil peace across Lebanon.

He emphasized that the recurring campaigns of doubt and slander directed at the military institution and its leadership would not affect its committed national performance aligned with political authority decisions, nor diminish the Lebanese people's trust in it.

This statement was made during President Aoun's meeting at Baabda Palace with Army Commander General Rudolf Heikal, who briefed him on the outcomes of his visits to Turkey, Greece, and the United Kingdom as part of military cooperation with these countries.

During the meeting, President Aoun and General Heikal reviewed the country's security situation and the army's upcoming missions, considering the results of Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations and the resulting "framework agreement" aimed at ending the war on Lebanon.

In addition to military discussions, President Aoun held a series of ministerial, parliamentary, and diplomatic meetings. He met with Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rassamni to discuss progress on rehabilitating Rene Moawad Airport in Qleiat, the readiness of Rafic Hariri International Airport for summer traffic, and plans to enhance the international road network.

The president also received Members of Parliament Wadih Al-Sadiq and Mark Dou, with whom he reviewed general conditions and recent developments.

Following the meeting, MP Al-Sadiq addressed reporters, stating, "Our visit to the president comes at a historic moment for Lebanon, especially as we are in the midst of a battle to restore the state's sovereignty over decisions of war and peace. This follows a year and a half of insistence on separating Lebanon's path from others, culminating in the recently signed framework agreement under American auspices."

He added, "The president briefed us on the core details and significance of this agreement, affirming Lebanon’s ongoing journey to build institutions and the state. We are at a crossroads where the Lebanese must decide whether to support their state in institution-building and reintegration or remain aligned with factions that have only brought destruction."

Al-Sadiq continued, "Given the current circumstances, with Israeli occupation of several areas amounting to over 7 to 8 percent of Lebanon's territory and the destruction of Lebanese villages, reaching such an agreement is a major achievement for the negotiation team in Washington, under the leadership of the president, prime minister, and government. We discussed the necessity of supporting the Lebanese army in implementing experimental zones, which is essential to reclaiming occupied lands. I also informed the president about deputies' visits to Brussels and meetings with European Parliament members and the European Commission, where we sensed strong support for Lebanon’s path to restoring state authority and institutional rebuilding."

Responding to questions about widespread criticism of the framework agreement and the campaigns targeting both the president and army commander, Al-Sadiq said, "Ninety percent of the criticism comes from those who have not read the agreement, and some criticisms address issues not present in it. Let us focus on the agreement as a whole. Lebanon was drawn into a war without its decision, resulting in occupied lands and severe destruction. The negotiation delegation is operating under very difficult conditions. To clarify, this is a framework agreement, not a final one, but it is far better than the best possible alternative. To restore the state as the foundation of negotiations rather than a bargaining chip sold cheaply elsewhere, we affirm that Lebanon is a sovereign country. The president has pursued full restoration of state decision-making, which was achieved in Washington. Anyone who reads the agreement's details will find it highly positive, with the real test coming when moving toward the final agreement."

MP Mark Dou remarked, "We live in a democratic state, and President Berri’s political team can fully express its opinion on this matter. However, it is clear that uniting behind an independent Lebanese choice capable of negotiating is preferable to relying on regional or international negotiations that exclude Lebanon. Therefore, we trust exclusively in our state to find all solutions through negotiations. Ultimately, this path resulted in an American-sponsored agreement through which we can restore and activate our state and institutions together."

He added, "Regarding the army, the existing agreement and all others place primary reliance on the main security institution, the Lebanese army. Any attempts to sow discord or incite conflict are misplaced. We appreciate the full political backing from the president, prime minister, and cabinet for the army’s performance, whether through approved plans or aid aimed at supporting it. We have full confidence in the military institution, as evidenced by its effective actions during the initial disarmament in southern Litani and recent efforts to prevent road blockades. Security is maintained. We have seen examples in Iraq and the decisions made there. The region is moving toward political agreements, security stabilization, and preventing militias outside the state, which Lebanon has adopted through its decisions. I hope President Nabih Berri and all political forces will finalize their strategic choice to unify the state behind its legitimate leadership, official authority, and institutions. We have a real opportunity to build the state with free will in Beirut, through our negotiating team, presidency, and government."

MP Al-Sadiq responded, "President Berri and the entire duo managed negotiations twice: once on maritime demarcation and once in 2024. We have seen the results: the first led to significant loss of our waters, and the second to renewed conflict that gave Israel all excuses to attack Lebanon at any moment in 2024. May God grant President Berri good health, but now he should allow the president, prime minister, and Lebanese state to conduct negotiations, as they have reached an excellent position so far and negotiations continue. His role should be supportive only, nothing more."

On the diplomatic front, President Aoun received the German Ambassador to Lebanon, Kurt George Stockl Stillfried, on a farewell visit marking the end of his mission. The president awarded him the National Order of the Cedar, Officer rank, in recognition of his role in activating and developing Lebanese-German relations across various fields.