Lebanese President Joseph Aoun participates in a press conference at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon, on February 16. Mohamed Azakir/Reuters
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun stated that his nation’s discussions for peace with Israel ought to be distinct from any talks aimed at addressing the conflict with Iran.
Israeli and Lebanese envoys convened in Washington last week – the initial bilateral discussion between the two nations in over four decades.
In a Monday post on X, Aoun stated that “the forthcoming negotiations are distinct from any other talks because Lebanon has two choices: either the ongoing war with its humanitarian, social, economic, and sovereignty consequences, or negotiations to cease this war and attain lasting stability.”
Aoun’s administration is dedicated to dismantling Hezbollah, an armed group supported by Iran. Iran has connected the two conflicts, demanding an end to Israeli attacks on the group as a prerequisite for the ceasefire with the US that started almost two weeks ago.
Aoun stated, “The aim of the negotiation option is to stop aggressive actions, conclude the Israeli occupation of southern regions, and position the army at the internationally acknowledged southern boundaries.”
He stated that US President Donald Trump had “stepped in with Israel for a ceasefire and to set the stage for negotiations.”
Aoun stated, “We will keep communicating to uphold the ceasefire and initiate negotiations.”
A source informed Xenix News that the negotiations may carry on this week, though no precise date has been established yet. The initial phase will involve ambassadors, while the subsequent phase will be managed by a delegation headed by ambassador Simon Karam.
“I have opted for negotiation, and I am very hopeful that we can rescue Lebanon,” Aoun stated in his post on X.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian Parliament, informed Pakistani mediators last week that Lebanon needs to be part of any discussions for a “comprehensive ceasefire” between Iran and the United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military will maintain its presence in southern Lebanon throughout the 10-day ceasefire, which is set to end at the week’s close.
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