President Joseph Aoun confirmed that his upcoming visit to the United States and his meeting with US President Donald Trump on July 21 will carry a set of national priorities, most notably strengthening American interest in Lebanon, pressuring Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory, supporting the Lebanese army, and contributing to reconstruction and reviving the economy.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Aoun said that Lebanon first wants to keep its file on the table of American concerns, pointing to the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the United States and benefiting from President Trump’s declaration of his desire to help Lebanon.
He explained that the United States remains the only party capable of exerting effective pressure on the Israeli government to prevent it from expanding its military operations, targeting the southern suburbs and infrastructure, or expanding the areas it controls in southern Lebanon.
The President of the Republic stressed that Lebanon demands the return of all its lands, stressing that “sovereignty is not subject to concession or diligence,” and that the goal is to return Lebanese lands to the custody of the Lebanese army and legitimate institutions alone.
He added that Lebanon cannot leave the south hostage to regional developments, considering that the security and stability of the south constitute an essential part of Lebanon’s security and economic stability.
Aoun explained that his meeting with Trump will also be devoted to presenting the field reality in the south, and the dangers of continuing the current situation or returning to escalation, in addition to demanding more support for the Lebanese army, which is undertaking major tasks, in addition to supporting efforts to rebuild the affected areas and stimulate the Lebanese economy.
Regarding the controversy that accompanied the option of direct negotiations with Israel, Aoun said that Lebanon did not have ideal options, and that the expansion of war, occupation, displacement and destruction forced resorting to American mediation, considering that this path was the only option available to reduce the period of occupation and reduce the suffering of the Lebanese.
He stressed that the Lebanese state is responsible for every inch of its territory and for all its citizens, and that the decision to negotiate must remain exclusively in the hands of legitimate institutions, adding: “We will not accept that anyone negotiate on our behalf or in our name.”
Regarding the possibility of holding a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Aoun denied the validity of what was said in this regard, considering that this hypothesis is baseless.
Regarding the internal situation, the President of the Republic stressed that changing the government takes place through constitutional mechanisms, refusing to use the street to overthrow it, stressing that the government’s performance is “excellent” and that the ministers are carrying out their duties.
Aoun stressed that the relationship with Hezbollah has not been severed, pointing out that the doors of the Republican Palace are open to everyone, and that whoever has a practical alternative to ending the occupation should present it for discussion, adding that continuing the war is not an option.
He also welcomed any external support that is consistent with Lebanon’s interests, considering that the United States is able to influence Israel, while Iran can influence Hezbollah, while stressing that Lebanon alone is responsible for negotiating everything related to its affairs.
Regarding internal affairs, he described his relationship with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri as being based on an understanding about national constants, foremost of which is the protection of civil peace and the role of the army. He also stressed that his relationship with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is “excellent.”
Aoun denied the existence of any disagreement with the Army Commander, General Rudolph Heikal, stressing that the relationship between them is daily and excellent, and that the army is cohesive and continues to implement government decisions within the available capabilities.
The President of the Republic praised Arab support for Lebanon, thanking the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, especially Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for the decision to resume receiving Lebanese exports. He also thanked the State of Qatar for its support, and the United Arab Emirates for allowing its citizens to visit Lebanon.
Aoun’s statements come days before his official visit to Washington, in light of a delicate stage that Lebanon is going through politically and security-wise, with the continuation of American efforts to implement the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, in parallel with the escalation of regional tension between the United States and Iran, and the accompanying fears that any new escalation will be reflected in the Lebanese arena, especially in the south, where the Lebanese state continues its diplomatic moves to stabilize the ceasefire, complete the Israeli withdrawal, and enhance the army’s deployment on the entire southern border.
