Aoun: No End to Lebanon-Israel Hostilities Without an Agreement

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, with discussions focusing on Lebanon’s relations with the EU, the situation in southern Lebanon and ongoing negotiations with Israel. Aoun said Lebanon looks forward to signing a strategic partnership with the EU, stressing that Lebanon’s stability is closely linked to the stability of Europe and the wider region. He said the Lebanese Army is fully carrying out its responsibilities in areas where it has deployed south of the Litani River in implementation of the framework agreement, while Israel continues to refrain from fulfilling its commitments under the deal. He said dialogue is an alternative to war and an agreement is the only way to end the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel. He also stressed Lebanon’s commitment to implementing economic reforms and passing the financial gap law, saying this would pave the way for an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. Kallas said the European Union is ready to provide Lebanon with the necessary assistance, particularly to the Lebanese Army, the Internal Security Forces and organizations working in the social and humanitarian fields.