President Aoun Welcomes Decision to Establish New EU Mission in Lebanon

Republic President General Joseph Aoun welcomed the decision of the European Union foreign ministers to establish a new support mission in Lebanon, tasked with providing advice and assistance to the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces for 3 years.

President Aoun said: "Lebanon welcomes the European Union's decision to establish a new mission to support Lebanese security and military institutions. It is a decision that expresses a consistent European commitment to Lebanon's security and stability, and confidence in the Army and Internal Security Forces as the legitimate entities mandated to protect the homeland and citizens alongside other legitimate security forces. This mission, with the expertise, training, and advice it provides, will contribute to strengthening the capabilities of our legitimate institutions, extending state authority over its entire territory, and controlling its borders, in line with the Lebanese government's decisions and its official discourse on restricting weapons to legitimate forces. While we thank the European Union and its member states for this step, we affirm that Lebanon will provide all necessary cooperation to ensure the mission's success, and that this support constitutes an additional pillar in the path of consolidating stability and enhancing the role of legitimate institutions, which we rely on continuing partnership with Lebanon's friends."