President Aoun: Strength lies not in waging war but in ending it through negotiation for Lebanon's interest

President of the Republic Joseph Aoun affirmed "commitment to civil peace and internal stability in Lebanon, and preventing sedition that would threaten Lebanon's survival because whoever fuels it serves Israel."

He said before a delegation of heads of liberal professions: "Civil peace cannot be tampered with because the Lebanese have become fully convinced that there is no return to the past, and the political class is also working to avert this problem and its catastrophic impact through a clear, unified discourse."

He added: "The backbone and foundation for preventing sedition is the army and security agencies, who are sometimes subjected to criticism and attack while they continue to make the highest sacrifices and martyrs on the altar of the homeland, and perform their duty to the fullest despite the harsh economic crisis Lebanon is going through."

He pointed out that "Lebanon has suffered more than 3,000 martyrs, more than a million displaced persons, thousands of destroyed homes, and there is no horizon for ending this situation. Therefore, as President of the Republic, I had to do what my conscience and duty impose on me towards my country and my people. It is the state's duty to care for its citizens and not stand idly without moving a finger. There is no other option but negotiation," adding: "Strength is not in waging war, but in having the courage and wisdom to end war through negotiation for the interest of the country, which remains the foundation above all considerations."