Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the importance of urging Israeli occupation forces to adhere to the ceasefire agreement, cease their attacks on Lebanon, and withdraw from the southern parts of the country. Instability in Lebanon could have adverse effects on Europe, "which nobody could want," President Aoun remarked during his meeting with European Union delegations at Baabda Palace near Beirut.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the delegations were led by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. President Aoun underlined the mutual interest in Lebanon's stability for both the Lebanese populace and Europeans. He pointed out that the ongoing Israeli occupation of five border points in southern Lebanon is obstructing the deployment of Lebanese forces and hindering the restoration of state authority in these areas.
President Aoun appealed to EU member states to supply the Lebanese army and security forces with essential military equipment to facilitate their deployment to the south Litani River. He expressed gratitude for the willingness of some EU members to continue their participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Antonio Costa, on his part, reaffirmed the European Union's longstanding support for Lebanon through various crises, offering humanitarian aid, technical support, and a commitment to Lebanon's long-term stability and prosperity. He acknowledged that "Lebanon's stability is not only essential for its citizens but for the entire region," emphasizing that regional cooperation is crucial for peace and security for all. Costa praised President Aoun's leadership in striving to establish state control over arms, welcoming the progress made with the Lebanese army's initial phase of disarming Hezbollah.
Costa also noted the significant progress marked by the participation of civilian representatives from Lebanon and the Israeli occupation in the recent meeting of the Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism. He stated that enduring stability in the region cannot be achieved solely through military means and assured Lebanon of the EU's readiness to support its journey through the rapidly evolving landscape. He highlighted the geographical, historical, and cultural bonds that form a strong partnership between the EU and Lebanon.
Similarly, Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the strong partnership between the EU and Lebanon, which includes financial support and collaboration with the Lebanese Armed Forces. Addressing the current security situation, von der Leyen stressed the importance of fully respecting the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel by all parties. She affirmed the necessity of upholding Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the critical need for the complete disarmament of Hezbollah.