Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged European Union countries to exert pressure on the Israeli occupation to withdraw from Lebanese territories and cease its attacks. This appeal aims to enable the Lebanese army to proceed with its plan of confining weapons strictly to legitimate security forces.
According to Kuwait News Agency, President Aoun made this plea during a meeting with Charles Fries, the Deputy Secretary General for Peace, Security, and Defence at the European External Action Service, held at the Presidential Palace. President Aoun emphasized that without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas, cessation of their daily assaults, and the return of Lebanese prisoners, the region's stability will be compromised, impeding the Lebanese army's operational plans.
President Aoun highlighted that the Lebanese army is deployed across the country, undertaking security operations alongside its primary duties in the south. This is particularly significant as the army has stationed forces south of the Litani River, except in areas still under Israeli occupation, which contradicts an agreement reached last November.
In response, Fries reportedly affirmed the EU's continued commitment to supporting Lebanon, especially in reinforcing the Lebanese army. He also noted the ongoing support provided by the EU concerning the Syrian refugee situation.
Last September, the Lebanese army presented a plan to the Council of Ministers aimed at extending state authority by confining and confiscating weapons to be controlled by legitimate authorities only.