Baabda Palace witnessed a series of ministerial, international, diplomatic and spiritual meetings, which dealt with the files of negotiations, the situation in the south, the work of UNIFIL forces, and support for Lebanon in American decision-making circles, in addition to the affairs of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Council for Development and Reconstruction.
The President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, confirmed, during his meeting with a delegation of Maronite bishops in the diaspora, that “the assurances that have reached us and what we insist on are that Lebanon has an independent path in the negotiations, although we are certainly with a ceasefire and with any country that helps us, including Iran.” He stressed that “negotiations are carried out by the Lebanese state and it is the master of its own decisions, and no one takes its place, and this has become a matter of conviction among everyone,” reassuring the Lebanese that “no one links us to any other country, and any settlement will take place through us and not at our expense.”
The delegation of the Maronite bishops in exile included Bishops: Gregory Mansour from Brooklyn in the United States of America, Edgar Madi from Brazil, Paul Marwan Tabet from Canada, Youhanna Habib Shamieh from Argentina, Antoine Charbel Tarabay from Australia, Elias Abdullah Zidane from Los Angeles, Simon Faddoul from Africa, Peter Karam, Patriarchal Vicar and Apostolic Visitor to Europe, Exarch Fadi Abu Shibl from Colombia, Monsignor Elie Mikhael. Apostolic administrator in the Diocese of Mexico, and Father Claude Nadra, Secretary-General of the Department of Maronite Dioceses in Countries of Expansion.
At the beginning of the meeting, Bishop Mansour delivered a speech on behalf of the delegation, in which he emphasized prayers for Lebanon, praising the efforts of President Aoun and the First Lady, and what they are doing to give the Lebanese people hope for a new day. He pointed out that Lebanon, despite the wars and crises, its people are still ready to work for peace in the spirit of grace, forgiveness and love, recalling what President Aoun said in an interview with CNN that “war is a bloody negotiation, while negotiations are a bloodless war.” He stressed that demolition and waging wars are easy, while building and making peace is much more difficult, stressing the support of the Maronite bishops in the countries of expansion and their prayers for President Aoun and Lebanon.
President Aoun responded by welcoming the delegation, considering that the bishops represent the Lebanese in the countries of expansion, not just a specific group, and that their voice is heard in the countries in which they are. He thanked their prayers and supplications for Lebanon and the Lebanese spread throughout the world, describing them as “a lever for resident Lebanon.”
Aoun pointed out that, based on his experience in leading the army and reaching his current position, he realized that war does not lead to any result other than devastation and destruction. He said that the path to peace and negotiation may be long, but it is better than a short path with a harsh cost, as is the case with war, pointing out that Lebanon has a chance and that the Lebanese are tired of the series of wars. He added that since 1969, Lebanon has been still paying the price of other people’s wars on its soil, asking whether there was a need for the last war to return to a ceasefire after thousands of martyrs and wounded, out of 4 million Lebanese, in addition to the massive destruction estimated at billions of dollars.
The President of the Republic stressed the need not to forget the past so that it does not happen again in the future, considering that the bishops’ message is essential in helping to build the state, “because as I always repeat, only the state protects everyone, not sects or parties.” He stressed that the role of parties in building the state is acceptable within the democratic dimension, but what is unacceptable is for parties to manage the state for their own interests, noting that citizens at home and abroad yearn to restore the role of the state with its security, administrative and judicial institutions.
President Aoun stressed that there is no fear for civil peace, and that this matter should not frighten the Lebanese, considering that those who threaten it have become weak and want to frighten others who are different from them so that they remain present. He stressed that civil peace is a red line, and that the next stage is to rebuild the state with all its institutions, in addition to rebuilding what was destroyed by a war imposed on Lebanon, explaining that the state is not responsible for this war, but it is responsible towards its people for reconstruction and advancement.
The President of the Republic believed that there is great hope for Lebanon, and that there is a conscious generation that wants this country, calling for securing its future with cooperation and support. He said that the Lebanese are present in most countries of the world, and he is respected, active and influential. He has also contributed to the renaissance of several countries, and therefore he is capable of rebuilding his homeland. He asked: “Why did we get here? Why did we bring other people’s wars upon us?”, considering that this happened for the interests of others and for factional and personal interests, not for the interest of Lebanon, and affirming the hope of turning this page once and for all.
A dialogue took place between the bishops and the President of the Republic, during which they affirmed their love and confidence of the Lebanese diaspora in his vision for Lebanon and his way of managing the current reality in this difficult stage, and their support for moving forward in the interest of Lebanon.
In response to a question about the message that the bishops should carry to the Lebanese during their deployment, President Aoun said: “Tell them: Lebanon is your country. He who does not have a country has no identity. Preserve your country as well as your faith in your religions. Any cause without faith is not destined for success. Even if you remain a thousand years outside Lebanon, it is what unites you. Maintain your confidence in your country.”
The President of the Republic explained that the negotiations are being carried out by the Lebanese state, and that next week will witness a new round that is hoped to be more positive, especially with the great interest of the American administration in Lebanon. He pointed out that the Lebanese state, for the first time, is the one that is negotiating, and that no one is negotiating for it, stressing that his goal is clear, regardless of the obstacles, and that “the one who has the right has authority,” and that he will take Lebanon to a good place.
Aoun touched on some Lebanese voices abroad that, according to him, “poison the atmosphere and incite against Lebanon,” wondering how a Lebanese abroad could go in the direction of destroying Lebanon or demand that aid be cut off from the Lebanese army. He said: “If you love Lebanon, you cannot help but love its army, and if you do not love its army, you have no honor.”
In addition, the President of the Republic reviewed, with the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rasamny, the course of movement at land, air and sea crossings, and the progress of work on the rehabilitation of Rene Moawad Airport in Klayaat. The research also discussed plans to develop work at Rafic Hariri International Airport within a framework of good governance and management.
President Aoun discussed with the Commander of the international forces operating in the south, UNIFIL, General Deodato Abagnaara, in the presence of the Acting Special Coordinator of the United Nations in Lebanon, Imran Riza, the situation in the south and the work of UNIFIL in light of the difficulties and harassment facing its movement in the area of international operations. The discussion also touched on the stage after the end of the work of these forces in Lebanon. President Aoun renewed his condolences to the martyrs of international forces in the south, noting their sacrifices for the sake of peace in Lebanon.
President Aoun met with the Danish Ambassador to Lebanon, Christopher Vivike, on a farewell visit on the occasion of the end of his mission in Lebanon. During the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries were presented, and the President of the Republic thanked Ambassador Vivequet for the role he played during his presence in Beirut in strengthening and developing Lebanese-Danish relations in all fields. He also thanked him for the support that Denmark provides to Lebanon, especially since it ranks tenth among donor countries, and has never hesitated to help Lebanon in the difficult circumstances it has been through. He wished him success in his new duties as Director of the Middle East and North Africa at the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The President of the Republic also presented with Representative Faisal Karami the general situation in the country in general, and in Tripoli and the north in particular.
President Aoun received a delegation from the “Alpipac” group and its advisory council, which included Paul Hindi, Joseph Al-Hajj, and Pamela Qasifi. The delegation presented the nature of the work of the group and the advisory council that was formed, which includes personalities and expertise from various sectors, and works permanently to support Lebanon and enhance its presence in decision-making circles in the United States of America.
The meeting discussed the efforts made to communicate with members of Congress, the US administration, and concerned parties, with the aim of strengthening international support for Lebanon, encouraging investments and aid, and keeping pace with initiatives and legislation that could contribute to supporting the recovery path. The attendees stressed the importance of benefiting from the current positive momentum to enhance Lebanon’s presence on the international scene, and the need to continue working to clarify Lebanon’s priorities and needs to international partners.
The pivotal role played by the Lebanese military institution in maintaining stability and security was also stressed, and the importance of continuing international support for the Lebanese army and legitimate institutions, in a way that enhances the state’s ability to confront current challenges and consolidate stability. President Aoun thanked the members of the delegation for their efforts and initiatives in support of Lebanon, stressing that the current stage requires concerted efforts to strengthen the steadfastness of the state and its institutions.
The President of the Republic received the President of the Council for Development and Reconstruction, Engineer Muhammad Qabbani, the Vice-Presidents, Ibrahim Shahrour and Youssef Karam, and the Secretary-General of the Council, Ghassan Khairallah, and discussed with them the work of the Council, the plans being studied in it, and the difficulties facing the implementation of some works.
