Today, Monday, Baabda Palace witnessed a series of political, diplomatic and economic meetings, in addition to a call via video technology conducted by the President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, with the “Task Force for Lebanon”, which discussed developments in Lebanon and the region.
During the call, President Aoun thanked the group for its continued support for Lebanon, calling for support for the “framework formula” that was reached under American auspices, and for working to confront the voices spread in the United States that “do not want good for Lebanon.”
Aoun stressed the importance of the Lebanese army returning to the entire southern border, and pressuring Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory, considering that its continued presence “undermines the legitimacy of the state, prevents the deployment of the army, and obstructs the achievement of just and lasting peace.”
He stressed that the army and security forces constitute the cornerstone of stability in the south and the return of the people to their towns, stressing that civil war is “not on the table,” despite attempts to stir up strife, and praising the role of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in calming the situation and supporting the ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal.
The President of the Republic also warned that continued Israeli intransigence in remaining within Lebanese territory “will not be in the interest of the goals set by the United States and Lebanon to restore the state’s sovereignty and independence and strengthen its institutions,” calling on the American administration to exert pressure to achieve Israeli withdrawal.
For its part, the “American Action Group for Lebanon” confirmed its readiness to intensify its contacts in the United States in support of President Aoun’s vision aimed at consolidating state sovereignty and enhancing the role of the army and security institutions.
In the political context, President Aoun received the head of the “National Dialogue” Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, who announced his full support for the path led by the President of the Republic, calling for unity of the official position and rallying around state institutions. He said: “Either we restore the state, its sovereignty, and the trust of the world, or we remain prisoners of crises, isolation, and collapse.”
He also met with a delegation from the “National Moderation” parliamentary bloc, where Representative Ahmed Al-Khair affirmed on behalf of the delegation that he stands behind the state, its constitutional institutions and the decisions it takes, stressing support for the Lebanese army, preventing harm to civil peace, and strengthening national unity.
Diplomatically, President Aoun received Norwegian Ambassador to Lebanon Hilde Haraldstad, who affirmed her country’s support for the Lebanese state’s efforts to extend its sovereignty over its entire territory, and Oslo’s readiness to provide humanitarian and social aid to the affected areas.
He also met with the Mayor of the Australian Cumberland Municipal Council, Oula Hamed, and discussed with her the situation of the Lebanese community in Australia and bilateral relations between the two countries.
Economically, President Aoun received the Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Manager of the CMA CGM Group, Rodolphe Saadeh, who affirmed the group’s commitment to continuing investment in Lebanon and expanding its activity during the next stage.
The President of the Republic welcomed this trend, stressing the state’s keenness to encourage productive investments and provide a suitable environment for them, which contributes to supporting economic recovery and creating new job opportunities.
