Beirut: In an interview marking one year of his presidency on "Tele Liban" Channel, General Joseph Aoun emphasized that the roadmap for his term remains rooted in his inaugural address, drawing upon his extensive 42-year military career, including eight years as army commander.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Aoun acknowledged that not all objectives can be fulfilled within a single year; however, the progress achieved thus far is undeniable. He highlighted Lebanon's success in balancing national sovereignty, efforts to reclaim occupied territories, and maintaining civil peace and internal stability amid significant internal, regional, and international challenges.
Aoun stated, "We maintained stability, prevented collapse, and are working to re-establish the authority of the state," emphasizing the Lebanese citizens' desire for national consensus and civil peace. During the past year, 2,240 decrees were issued, including 1,249 ordinary decrees and 951 by the Cabinet. The Cabinet held 45 sessions and made 1,038 decisions, which Aoun sees as evidence of effective governance based on actual practice.
On security matters, Aoun asserted that the Lebanese Army is fulfilling its duties, particularly in the south, and remains committed to enforcing the state's monopoly on weapons. He mentioned that weapons have been gradually withdrawn from several camps, acknowledging the army's limited resources and broad responsibilities, including internal security, border control, counterterrorism, and combating drug trafficking.
Aoun stressed, "The army is fulfilling its duties with the resources and information it possesses; this is what is important and fundamental: that the mission entrusted to the army is accomplished." He reaffirmed the ongoing commitment to restricting weapons to all armed groups, noting the importance of not overlooking Palestinian factions in the south.